Thanks, Chip Hale, for reading Closer Monkey

August 26, 2016

Arizona Diamondbacks — Arizona is home to the worst bullpen in the major leagues (5.19 ERA) without anyone good enough to be considered a closer. Manager Chip Hale is searching for answers. Clearly, he must be a Closer Monkey subscriber as we pointed out yesterday that Daniel Hudson — he of 11 straight scoreless outings, including Thursday — and Randall Delgado (12 straight scoreless outings) were the likely next candidates for a D-Backs save. Hours later, Hale announced as much to reporters.

Hierarchy remains: *Hudson | Delgado | Barrett.
* = closer-by-committee

Tampa Bay Rays — Congratulations to Enny Romero, who picked up the first save of his major league career Thursday when he struck out a pinch-hitting David Ortiz to end things against the Red Sox. While the Vulture Save Watch correctly predicted a night off for Alex Colome, manager Kevin Cash played the matchups. He went with Tyler Sturdevant to start the ninth and Romero to end it, as his other late-inning options (Xavier Cedeno, Brad Boxberger) each pitched in two straight and needed a breather.

Hierarchy remains: Colome | Cedeno | Boxberger.

Los Angeles Angels – Injured closer Cam Bedrosian — originally on the shelf with middle finger tendinitis —  was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right arm, putting his season in jeopardy. Further examination by a vascular specialist is scheduled to determine the severity of the issue.

Hierarchy remains: Salas | Ramirez | Guerra. 

Boston Red Sox — Converted starter Clay Buchholz has been sent back to the bullpen after a pair of quality spot starts. Now that he’s pitching much better (2.37 ERA in 19 August innings), there has been chatter in Boston about the righty’s role in a not-so-great bullpen. Could he slide into a cushy role in the 7th or 8th innings?

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Ziegler | Barnes.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Any warm body, Arizona Diamondbacks — Our best bet is it’s Daniel Hudson’s job, for now. He pitched a scoreless ninth Thursday with a two-run deficit. If it’s not Hudson, keep an eye on Randall Delgado.
2. A.J. Ramos, Miami Marlins –What are Don Mattingly’s plans for the closer role? He has used Ramos and Fernando Rodney recently, even suggesting Rodney could close most games the rest of the way. Nothing official has been announced by the team.