Stratton (0-1) took the loss after allowing two runs on four hits during the ninth inning of Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Brewers. He didn't record a walk or strikeout.

EDGE Analysis

After getting the first batter he faced to lineout, Stratton allowed four consecutive singles -- including a go-ahead, two-run single by Andrew McCutchen -- to blow his first save of the season. This is a tough blow for the veteran, who is currently competing for late-inning, high-leverage situations with fellow reliever David Bednar.

Stratton allowed two hits during a scoreless ninth inning to record the save in Friday's 4-2 win over the Cubs. He had one strikeout and zero walks.

EDGE Analysis

Stratton earned his first save of the season in Thursday's series opener and returned to the mound for save No. 2 on Friday. The right-hander is the first Pittsburgh reliever with multiple saves this year, as fellow late-inning option David Bednar worked in a setup role the past two days. Stratton has given up two runs on six hits with a 5:0 K:BB through 5.1 innings and should continue to see at least semi-regular save chances.

Stratton picked up a save against the Cubs on Thursday, striking out one in a perfect inning of work.

EDGE Analysis

Stratton was summoned in the ninth inning with the Pirates nursing a one-run lead, and he had no trouble closing out the win, retiring the Cubs in order on 11 pitches. Pittsburgh indicated prior to the season that Stratton and David Bednar would split closing duties, and that appears to be playing out thus far, as each reliever -- in addition to Wil Crowe -- has picked up one save. The Pirates aren't likely to produce a substantial number of save opportunities, so a split closer situation isn't ideal from a fantasy perspective.

Pittsburgh plans to split the closer's role between Stratton and David Bednar to begin the season, Kevin Gorman of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stratton picked up eight saves and had a 3.63 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 86:33 K:BB across 79.1 innings last season, and he split save chances with Bednar after Richard Rodriguez was traded to Atlanta. Manager Derek Shelton will employ a similar strategy to begin 2022, with both pitchers being utilized as the closer and setup man depending on the night.

Stratton and the Pirates agreed Tuesday on a one-year, $2.7 million contract to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stratton thus enters 2022 as the highest-paid reliever for the cost-cutting Pirates, with his salary reflecting his status as one of the most-valued members of the bullpen. Manager Derek Shelton has yet to appoint a closer for the upcoming season, but Stratton and David Bednar look like the best bets for saves as the roster currently stands. Stratton covered 79.1 innings over his career-high 68 appearances in 2021, finishing with a 3.63 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 86:33 K:BB to go with seven wins, eight saves and eight holds.

Stratton worked a perfect ninth inning while striking out one en route to his eighth save of the season in Saturday's 8-6 victory over the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Stratton breezed through the ninth Saturday, getting 10 of his 14 pitches over for strikes and locking up his eighth save of the season. The 31-year-old has been a workhorse for the Bucs in 2021, getting into 68 games and throwing 79.1 innings.

Stratton (7-1) allowed a run on one hit and one walk with one strikeout in one inning, earning the win Friday over Cincinnati.

EDGE Analysis

Stratton took a blown save for allowing Cincinnati to tie the game in the eighth inning, but Pittsburgh's offense exploded for eight runs to put him in line for the win. The right-hander saw his ERA tick up to 3.68 with a 1.31 WHIP and 85:33 K:BB through 78.1 innings this season. He's added seven saves, eight holds and five blown saves in 67 appearances. He is now 5-for-8 in save chances in September.

Stratton allowed a run on two hits and a walk in one inning of work during Sunday's loss to Miami. He blew a save opportunity.

EDGE Analysis

Stratton entered a 4-3 game after the Pirates took the lead in the top of the ninth inning. He let Bryan De La Cruz force extra innings with an RBI single. Stratton is now 6-for-10 in save opportunities this season and he broke his streak of four straight save chances converted.

Stratton allowed a walk and a hit in a scoreless ninth inning Friday, striking out three and earning a save over the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

Stratton made things interesting Friday, allowing a leadoff triple to Bryan De La Cruz and later intentionally walking Lewin Diaz. He then struck out Payton Henry to finish off the 2-1 win. Stratton is now 6-for-9 in save chances with a 3.68 ERA and an 81:31 K:BB through 73.1 frames. He's 1-0 with four saves in his last five appearances.

Stratton earned his sixth victory Wednesday, striking out two in a scoreless inning against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

He's proven to be a boon to fantasy managers recently, with one win and three saves since Sept. 7. Stratton, who appeared in back-to-back games for the seventh time in 2021 on Tuesday and Wednesday, has yet to throw on three consecutive calendar days this season. As a result, it's possible Chad Kuhl could get the nod to close Thursday should the Bucs be in position to record their first sweep of the year.