Closer Monkey

Category: Chicago Cubs

  • Rays’ closer carousel spins again with Castillo save

    May 3, 2019 Tampa Bay Rays – The Rays have been one of the best teams in baseball, but their closing situation is certainly one of the game’s most volatile. On Thursday, Diego Castillo came in to convert his fourth save. Three righties were due in the ninth, so manager Kevin Cash opted to go…

  • Jose Leclerc may not be the Rangers closer much longer

    May 1, 2019 Texas Rangers – Jose Leclerc’s struggles continued on Tuesday night, as he blew a 3-0 lead thanks to two doubles and two infield singles. He hasn’t pitched a clean inning since April 3, which is not optimal. After the game, Chris Woodward declined to outright remove Leclerc from the closer’s role. However,…

  • AJ Minter, Will Smith looking over their shoulders

    April 29, 2019 Tampa Bay Rays – Diego Castillo pitched a scoreless ninth for the Rays on Sunday, notching his 3rd save of the year. Jose Alvarado pitched the 8th and looks like he will be continually deployed when the opposing lineup is most threatening. This appears to be a full-fledged committee, with Alvarado, Castillo,…

  • Jose Leclerc gets low-leverage look in first appearance since rough outing

    April 26, 2019 Texas Rangers – Perhaps looking to get him right, Rangers manager Chris Woodward sent Jose Leclerc into Thursday’s game with men at the corners and the Rangers trailing 12-0. He hadn’t pitched since Sunday, when he walked four and gave up two earned runs. On Thursday, Leclerc allowed a walk to load…

  • Cody Allen, Jose Leclerc struggling

    April 22, 2019 Minnesota Twins – With Blake Parker under the weather, Taylor Rogers pitched a clean 9th inning for his 3rd save of the season. Parker remains the preferred choice for saves here, but Rogers may continue to get an opportunity now and again.  Hierarchy remains: *Parker | Rogers | Hildenberger.* = closer-by-committee Detroit…