Closer Monkey

Year: 2017

  • Chase Whitley no longer just a long reliever

    May 3, 2017 Tampa Bay Rays — Alex Colome made his third appearance in as many days, but it was who pitched in front of him that raised some eyebrows. Erasmo Ramirez, whose last two appearances lasted four and five innings, respectively, and included a start he won, recorded an eighth-inning hold. Meanwhile, usual long reliever…

  • Zach Britton returns; Daniel Hudson getting knocked around

    May 2, 2017 San Francisco Giants – Mark Melancon got the night off after pitching in four of the previous five games, so late inning duties went to Steven Okert and Derek Law. After Okert navigated the 8th and got the first two hitters in the 9th, Law was summoned to face Yasiel Puig. It…

  • Zach Britton could return today; Luis Avilan getting high-leverage work

    May 1, 2017 Baltimore Orioles – The Orioles flipped the script last night, using Brad Brach in the 8th and Darren O’Day in the 9th, but the latter didn’t respond particularly well, loading the bases before being lifted for Donnie Hart, who promptly gave up the game-tying single. The team went on to win in…

  • Rodney blows another save

    April 30, 2017 Arizona Diamondbacks — Fernando Rodney allowed three runs in the ninth inning last night and recorded his second consecutive blown save.  After the game, manager Torey Lovullo said that Rodney is still the closer.  Archie Bradley came on to get the last two outs of the eighth inning last night, and he looks…

  • Could Joe Biagini get some save opportunities in Toronto?

    April 29, 2017 Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays’ bullpen continues to be a disaster. Presumptive setup man Jason Grilli was brought in with one out in the eighth inning to protect a one-run lead, and immediately gave up the tying homer and a walk. After a strikeout, Grilli was pulled, but took the…