Category: closer change

  • 2018 NL West Preview

    February 28, 2018 Arizona Diamondbacks – Fernando Rodney somehow recorded 39 saves for the Diamondbacks last year, but he’ll be shooting arrows in Minnesota this year. That leaves the ninth inning in limbo, with three arms in line for the closer’s role. Archie Bradley was the team’s best reliever last season, but Arizona may want the flexibility to…

  • A new king of the ninth inning for the Royals?

    September 22, 2017 Kansas City Royals — Mike Minor picked up his second save of the season in a tight 1-0 win Thursday. Minor also had the Royals’ previous save in their now-historic win over the Indians last week. Given the usage, we’ll slide him ahead of Scott Alexander, who last had a save on…

  • Brad Brach to close for Baltimore to end the season

    September 21, 2017 Baltimore Orioles — If you missed our alert late last night, Zach Britton will have an injection in his knee and miss the rest of the season with an MCL strain. Brad Brach should get any Baltimore save chances over the final nine games, with Darren O’Day his primary backup. Updated hierarchy:…

  • Zach Britton confirmed to be out for the season; Brad Brach takes over

    September 20, 2017 Baltimore Orioles — Zach Britton’s balky knee hasn’t gotten much better, so he’ll get an injection of platelet-rich plasma and reassess his condition (and the team’s) in three to five days. With the Orioles five games and six teams out of the wild card race, we’re going to go out on a…

  • Kelvin Herrera gets another chance to close, extends Cleveland’s win streak instead

    September 15, 2017 Kansas City Royals — Recently removed closer Kelvin Herrera got another chance to earn his job back Thursday, and he blew his second straight save chance since getting removed from the role, yielding a run in the ninth to tie the game and keep the Indians’ win streak alive. Brandon Maurer did the…