Closer Monkey

Category: Cincinnati Reds

  • Zack Britton has the inside track in the Bronx (or, tonight, Iowa)

    August 12, 2021 New York Yankees — For the third time since Aroldis Chapman’s injury, Zack Britton got the ninth inning for the Yankees, protecting a three-run lead for his first save of the season. The Yankees will likely continue to treat this as a committee, but it looks like the experienced Britton will get…

  • Mychal Givens getting opportunities in Cincinnati

    August 9, 2021 Seattle Mariners – Drew Steckenrider returned to action after a long stretch without much action, earning a 2-inning save against the Yankees. That’s all we needed to see to get him back on the hierarchy. Updated hierarchy: *Castillo | Sewald | Steckenrider.* = closer-by-committee Cincinnati Reds – Mychal Givens got his second…

  • The Cincinnati Rays record another save

    August 6, 2021 Cincinnati Reds — Reds gonna Rays. Say what? Mychal Givens on Thursday became the 10th Reds pitcher to record a save this year, just two shy of the record set in last year’s shortened season by Tampa Bay. The Rays have only had eight such relievers with a save in 2021. Saves…

  • Young Manuel Rodriguez could be Chicago’s closer of the future

    August 5, 2021 Chicago Cubs — 24-year-old rookie Manuel Rodriguez overcame the walk-off homer he gave up in his last appearance to convert his first career save in a 3-2 win on Wednesday. That’s the sort of thing that will get a guy into the hierarchy right away, and we’ll keep monitoring this situation to…

  • Matt Barnes’ IL stint may be over today

    August 4, 2021 Boston Red Sox – We alerted you yesterday that Matt Barnes was on the COVID IL. Well, that stint may come to an end today after Barnes tested negative. We’ll alert you when Barnes is officially allowed to sit in the bullpen and watch the Sox inevitably lose again. Updated hierarchy: Ottavino…