Category: closer change

  • Zach Putman moves to the top of White Sox closer committee, Sergio Romo blows save

    June 29, 2014 Chicago White Sox – Zach Putnam recorded his first career save on Saturday.  He got the last out of the 8th inning and then came back out for the 9th to finish the game.  Putnam has been effective against both righties and lefties this season so we think he is the best option…

  • Petricka picks up save, Jason Grilli and Ernesto Frieri traded

    June 28, 2014 Chicago White Sox – Jake Petricka came on to get the last two outs of the 9th inning and preserve a White Sox win.  After the game Robin Ventura said they don’t have a closer right now.  He did mention that Petricka would be used in the later innings, but that this could…

  • Joe Smith to close for Angels

    June 25, 2014 Los Angeles Angels — In the aftermath of Tuesday night’s game, Mike Scioscia reversed course and announced that Joe Smith will be his primary closer going forward. He did add that Frieri would still get some high-leverage innings. Updated hierarchy: Smith | Jepsen | Frieri.

  • Mark Melancon in for Jason Grilli as Pirates closer

    June 20, 2014 Pittsburgh Pirates — As we expected, Jason Grilli has been removed as the Pirates’ closer in favor of Mark Melancon, with Tony Watson getting the occasional save opportunity as well. Clint Hurdle added that, for now, Grilli would pitch with the team behind, but that the move was not necessarily permanent. Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Watson | Wilson.

  • Zach Putnam, Shae Simmons ascend to 8th inning roles

    June 10, 2014 Chicago White Sox – Zach Putnam got the final two outs of the 8th inning on Monday, marking the fourth straight time that he’d bridged the gap to Ronald Belisario.  The 26-year-old righty doesn’t have the best ratios in the world (19 Ks vs 9 BBs in 24.1 innings), but he keeps…