Closer Monkey

Year: 2016

  • Tyler Thornburg, Edwin Diaz now closing; Craig Kimbrel returns

    August 2, 2016 Minnesota Twins – The Twins held on to Brandon Kintzler, but on Sunday they did manage to move veteran Fernando Abad. Abad, who is having a stellar season, joins the Red Sox, where he likely won’t crack the hierarchy, but his absence in Minnesota means more opportunities for Trevor May to finally…

  • Edwin Diaz to close in Seattle

    August 2, 2016 Seattle Mariners – After back-to-back poor outings, including a blown save on Sunday, Steve Cishek is out as Mariners closer. Edwin Diaz will take over for Cishek, with Tom Wilhelmsen likely getting the 8th for now. Cishek may still see some work in the 7th if Seattle has the lead, so we’ll keep…

  • Jeremy Jeffress traded to Texas

    August 1, 2016 Milwaukee Brewers – Tyler Thornburg is the last man standing in the Brewers hierarchy after Milwaukee traded closer Jeremy Jeffress to Texas and also shipped Will Smith to the Giants. We think a combination of Corey Knebel and Carlos Torres will set up Thornburg for now. As for Jeffress, don’t expect him to supplant Sam…

  • New closers abound as trade deadline looms

    August 1, 2016 Milwaukee Brewers – For the second straight night, Will Smith got the 8th inning ahead of Jeremy Jeffress. Smith and Tyler Thornburg have been flipping back and forth depending on matchups, so if Jeffress is dealt today, a committee is the most likely outcome. If the Brewers want to pick just one man…

  • Wade Davis hits the DL; Kelvin Herrera to close

    July 31, 2016 Kansas City Royals – Following an MRI on his elbow, Wade Davis is headed to the DL. Kelvin Herrera will close in his place. There’s no word yet on how much time Davis will miss, but the team’s Twitter said he had a flexor strain, which sounds less ominous than what could…