Closer Monkey

Category: Chicago Cubs

  • Ken Giles returns for Toronto; Jose Alvarado should be back soon

    June 21, 2019 Toronto Blue Jays — Ken Giles was activated from the injured list and will immediately resume his role as closer. He pitched a clean inning in a tie game Thursday in his return. Updated hierarchy: Giles | Biagini | Hudson. Tampa Bay Rays Tampreal ExRays — Jose Alvarado is still working his…

  • Craig Kimbrel will close for the Cubs — just not yet

    June 6, 2019 Chicago Cubs — As we told you last night, the Cubs locked down Craig Kimbrel with a three-year, $43 million contract. Kimbrel will take over as the Cubs’ closer — with the blessing of Pedro Strop — after a few weeks to rebuild arm strength. Meanwhile, on Wednesday night, Strop got the…

  • Craig Kimbrel signs with Cubs

    June 5, 2019 Chicago Cubs — Craig Kimbrel will reportedly sign with the Cubs, bolstering a bullpen that just got better with the return of Pedro Strop last night. Kimbrel will not join the roster right away – Joe Maddon envisions Kimbrel needing a minimum of three weeks to build up his arm. Hierarchy remains:…

  • Pedro Strop earns save in first game back from IL

    June 5, 2019 Chicago Cubs — The Cubs activated Pedro Strop prior to Tuesday’s game. Strop immediately returned to his usual ninth-inning role, recording the final three outs of a 6-3 win. Steve Cishek may still get an occasional save chance, but Strop will once again be the primary source of saves for the Cubs.…

  • Carlos Martinez records save while Craig Kimbrel market should heat up very soon

    June 2, 2019 St. Louis Cardinals — Jordan Hicks got Saturday off as we expected, and the Cardinals turned to their closer from the end of last year, Carlos Martinez.  Martinez responded with a perfect ninth for his first save of the season.  After missing the beginning of the season, Martinez is beginning to settle…