Closer Monkey

Year: 2018

  • Barraclough records save, plus a panda sighting?

    April 29, 2018 Miami Marlins — With Brad Ziegler not 100%, the Marlins turned to Kyle Barraclough to protect a three-run lead.  Barraclough responded by striking out the side for his first save of the season.  Ziegler has not pitched particularly well so far this season and this could be a preview of things to…

  • Greg Holland can’t stay on track; Ryan Buchter goes to the DL

    April 28, 2018 St. Louis Cardinals — Just as Greg Holland seemed to be ascending to the closer’s role, he fell apart while protecting a three-run lead. He was victimized by an error, but he also left without recording an out. After the game, Mike Matheny said it may take some more time for Holland to…

  • Joe Kelly begins suspension; Mike Matheny keeps us in suspense

    April 27, 2018 Boston Red Sox — Major League Baseball has rejected Joe Kelly’s appeal, putting into effect his six-game suspension, which began Thursday night. Craig Kimbrel has been busy lately, so expect Matt Barnes and Carson Smith to help Kimbrel carry the load with Kelly out. Alex Cora also mentioned that lefty Brian Johnson and righty Hector…

  • AJ Minter in the mix for Braves saves; Andrew Miller might hit the DL

    April 26, 2018 Atlanta Braves — After the Braves scored the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth, lefty AJ Minter was called upon for his first career save. Two lefthanders, Joey Votto and Scooter Gennett, started off the ninth for the Reds, and after the game, Brian Snitker confirmed that Minter could get…

  • Blake Treinen should be fine

    April 25, 2018 Oakland A’s — There was a bit of a panic when Blake Treinen was drilled with a line drive in the eighth inning of Tuesday’s game, but Bob Melvin said after the game that Treinen just has a bruised right shin and should be good to go by Friday. Santiago Casilla picked…