Closer Monkey

Category: Chicago Cubs

  • Zach Britton makes history; Arodys Vizcaino back soon

    August 12, 2016 Baltimore Orioles – Zach Britton on Thursday picked up his 35th straight save this season, pitching a scoreless ninth. Scoreless has been a bit of a theme for Britton lately, as the closer hasn’t allowed an earned run in 39 straight appearances, the longest streak since earned runs started being kept as…

  • Pedro Strop injures his knee; Ken Giles will go on paternity leave soon

    August 11, 2016 Chicago Cubs — Hector Rondon hasn’t pitched in nine days (sore triceps), but Joe Maddon remains confident that he’ll return soon and avoid the DL. The need became more dire when Pedro Strop left Wednesday’s game with an apparent knee injury, unable to support his own weight. Filling in admirably was 24-year-old C.J. Edwards, who has a…

  • Jonathan Papelbon’s days as Nationals closer nearing end

    July 29, 2016 Washington Nationals — While the East Coast was sleeping, there was some late-innings drama in San Francisco when beleaguered closer Jonathan Papelbon entered the ninth inning with a 4-1 lead. He recorded one out, but allowed a single and a walk before he was pulled from the game, which had social media speculating…

  • Aroldis Chapman on the move; two young righties are dominating

    July 26, 2016 Cincinnati Reds – Raisel Iglesias appears to have firmly established himself as the Reds’ go-to set-up man for closer Tony Cingrani. In his last two appearances, Iglesias has been perfect, taking care of the 7th and 8th innings each time. If you are in a holds league, Iglesias could be a big…

  • Aroldis Chapman traded to Cubs

    July 25, 2016 Chicago Cubs – It’s official — Aroldis Chapman is headed to the Cubs. He’ll close for them immediately, pushing Hector Rondon into a set-up role and Pedro Strop into the 7th inning. The trifecta gives the Cubs one of the strongest bullpens in the league as they head into the stretch run.…