Rivero fired a perfect ninth inning Thursday against the Brewers en route to his ninth save of the season.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw surprisingly didn't strike anyone out, but he avoided any late drama with three harmless groundouts. Thursday's outing lowered both his ERA and WHIP to 0.70, making Rivero a very reliable option for saves despite not occupying the role for very long.

Rivero has thrown 35 pitches over the last two days and may not be available Wednesday against the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

He picked up saves Monday and Tuesday, but has thrown three straight days only one time in 2017, when he appeared from April 12-14. In those games, he totaled 41 pitches. Given the crucial nature of Pittsburgh's series against division-leading Milwaukee, Rivero could get the call again Wednesday, but the Bucs would probably like to stay away from him if possible. The lefty leads the league with 47 appearances.

Rivero allowed two hits while striking out the side during a scoreless inning of work to earn his eighth save of the season Tuesday against the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

The usually stellar Rivero allowed back-to-back hits with one out in the inning, but he buckled down to strike out the final two men he faced to escape the jam. He already has two saves and a win under his belt in three scoreless appearances since the All-Star break and looks to be among the elite relievers in Major League Baseball at the moment.

Rivero retired all four batters he faced and recorded one strikeout to earn his seventh save of the season Monday against the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Rivero, who was called upon to get the final out with a man on in the eighth inning, mowed down the side in short order in the ninth. He threw 14 of 19 pitches for strikes while lowering his impeccable ERA to 0.72 and his WHIP to a similarly stellar 0.68. Rivero began the year as an afterthought in the Pirates' bullpen, but he has blossomed into a top-notch closer and doesn't appear likely to give the job up in the near future.

Rivero threw 1.1 scoreless innings against the Cubs on Saturday en route to his sixth save of the season. He issued one walk and struck out one batter.

EDGE Analysis

Rivero has run away with the closer job since Tony Watson was removed from the ninth-inning role, as he's successfully converted all six of his save opportunities. The lefty has been dominant all season long with a 0.76 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 55:12 K:BB over 47.1 innings. There's a case to be made for Rivero as a top-10 closer heading into the second half.

Rivero allowed a hit but struck out the side en route to his fifth save Wednesday in Philadelphia.

EDGE Analysis

Pitching on his 26th birthday, Rivero continued what's been a spectacular 2017 campaign -- his 0.78 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 10.6 K/9 are elite marks. Now that he has a lock on the ninth-inning role in Pittsburgh, Rivero has quickly become one of fantasy's more valuable relievers, but after pitching both Tuesday and Wednesday, he may be unavailable if another save chance presents itself Thursday.

Rivero posted his fourth save Tuesday, allowing one hit and walk while striking out a pair in a scoreless ninth inning.

EDGE Analysis

The All-Star Game snub lowered his earned-run average to 0.80 in 45.1 innings, helping Pittsburgh snap a four-game losing streak. Rivero's sparkling numbers also include a 0.71 WHIP and 51:11 K:BB, thanks in part to a blazing fastball (98.2 mph) and repertoire which boasts four pitches. He threw only 16 pitches (11 for strikes) Tuesday and should be available out of the pen Wednesday.

Rivero didn't allow a baserunner and struck out two in a non-save situation for the Pirates during Wednesday's win over Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

It was a nice bounce back appearance for Pittsburgh's closer, who gave up two runs (one earned) and took the loss in Tuesday's series opener. Rivero has now appeared in back to back games, meaning he might be unavailable in Thursday's matchup if a save situation arises. If that's the case, Juan Nicasio appears next in line for closer duty.

Rivero is available to pitch Sunday after throwing 20 pitches Friday and warming up in the bullpen Saturday, The Fan 93.7 Pittsburgh reports.

EDGE Analysis

Speaking during his weekly radio show, manager Clint Hurdle said that Rivero could get the nod Sunday in St. Louis. Hurdle also added that he's been asked whether Rivero might throw 100 innings in 2017, a nod to his durability. The Pittsburgh manager went on to note that every pitcher is available Sunday, especially with Monday's off-day.

Rivero threw 1.2 scoreless innings Friday, allowing no hits and one walk while striking out a pair.

EDGE Analysis

He relieved Juan Nicasio in the eighth inning with two runners on base and needed just five pitches to record the final two outs of the inning. Rivero then sat down the St. Louis lineup in a clean ninth frame for the win. He totaled only 20 pitches and figures to be available again Saturday.