Closer Monkey

Year: 2016

  • Closer Hot Seat update: May 2, 2016

    Welcome to our weekly Hot Seat column! Each week — usually on Mondays — we’ll update this space to give you an easy-to-reference guide on who might be closest to losing their jobs. Note that this isn’t necessarily a ranking of the best closers; rather, it’s a guide to job security. —– Latest update: May…

  • Ross Ohlendorf might be Cincinnati’s best option

    May 2, 2016 Kansas City Royals – For the sixth consecutive appearance, Kelvin Herrera finished off the 8th inning for the Royals. And while we’re counting, that’s now 13 straight scoreless outings to start the year for hard-throwing righty (17 Ks in 12.1 IPs). Joakim Soria has the experience, but is off to a rocky…

  • Britton day to day with ankle injury, David Phelps records save

    May 1, 2016 Baltimore Orioles — Zach Britton left yesterday’s game with an ankle injury, and is considered day to day.  Darren O’Day should close if Britton misses any games. Hierarchy remains: Britton | O’Day | Brach. Miami Marlins — As expected, A.J. Ramos got the night off on Saturday, and David Phelps recorded his first save of the season. Kyle Barraclough pitched a…

  • Kevin Jepsen gets a vote of confidence

    April 30, 2016 Minnesota Twins — Injured Glen Perkins has kept busy flipping off photographers, hawking pretzels, and pranking Phil Hughes, but evidently hasn’t been cleared to throw baseballs yet. Kevin Jepsen has been mediocre thus far, but Paul Molitor is vowing to stick with him. Trevor May lurks. Hierarchy remains: Jepsen | May | Fien. Los Angeles Dodgers — From…

  • Kyle Barraclough, flaky and delicious

    April 29, 2016 Miami Marlins — Hard-throwing righty Kyle Barraclough, acquired by the Marlins in the Steve Cishek trade, is off to a torrid start this season (6.2 innings, 0 ER, 11 Ks), and yesterday picked up his third consecutive hold, pitching the seventh inning ahead of David Phelps and A.J. Ramos. He’s only 25 years…