Closer Monkey

Category: Cincinnati Reds

  • It’s not always sunny in Philadelphia for Hector Neris

    May 12, 2018 Philadelphia Phillies — Tommy Hunter has been excellent since his return from the DL, picking up five holds while bridging the gap to Hector Neris, who has been less than excellent of late. Neris allowed three earned runs to blow yesterday’s save, and he has two blown saves in his last four outings…

  • Kenley Jansen’s velocity rebounds, but he still blows the save

    April 3, 2018 Cincinnati Reds – For the second straight day, Wandy Peralta pitched the 8th inning ahead of Raisel Iglesias. Peralta was one of the more reliable relievers in the Cincinnati pen last year, particularly in the first half of the season, and for now, he looks to be among the relievers who will…

  • Pat Neshek worried that “something serious” is wrong with his shoulder

    March 31, 2018 Philadelphia Phillies — Pat Neshek was placed on the 10-day DL with a right shoulder strain and the Phillies missed him immediately. In his stead the team turned to Luis Garcia to protect a one-run lead in the eighth. Garcia gave up a run, and could have given up another if not for…

  • Opening Day presents us with first vulture save of 2018

    March 30, 2018 San Francisco Giants – Closer Mark Melancon was placed on the 10-day disabled list with inflammation in his forearm. Manager Bruce Bochy said he hopes Melancon will be back in a couple of weeks, calling that scenario “realistic.” In his stead, Hunter Strickland tossed a scoreless ninth inning in a tight 1-0 win…

  • Bullpen shakeups abound as teams set 25-man rosters

    March 27, 2018 Tampa Bay Rays – Two veteran relievers that appeared to be strong candidates for set-up roles at the start of the spring — Daniel Hudson and Dan Jennings — didn’t even make the roster and will be seeking employment elsewhere. The moves were both a bit surprising — Hudson couldn’t get anyone…