Closer Monkey

Category: Los Angeles Angels

  • Huston Street should be back soon for the embattled Angels

    May 27, 2017 Los Angeles Angels — Bud Norris hadn’t pitched since Monday, so Mike Scioscia called on him in the eighth inning of a game the Angels trailed by five. And, naturally, because these are the Angels, he left the game with a right knee injury. The good news for LA is twofold: Norris is…

  • Brad Hand, Edwin Diaz taking over in the ninth

    May 26, 2017 San Diego Padres — For the second straight night, Padres manager Andy Green gave a save opportunity to Brad Hand Thursday, electing to use the lefty in the ninth and previously established closer Brandon Maurer in the eighth. Both pitchers allowed one run, but Maurer was able to preserve the lead and Hand was able…

  • Corey Knebel might be stuck in a committee in Milwaukee

    May 13, 2017 Milwaukee Brewers — When managers begin to use their relievers more optimally, their teams improve, but the result can be fantasy chaos. The latest example could be Craig Counsell’s Brewers, who demoted disappointing offseason acquisition Neftali Feliz from the closer role, but want to retain the flexibility to use the impressive Corey Knebel when…

  • Could Joe Biagini get some save opportunities in Toronto?

    April 29, 2017 Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays’ bullpen continues to be a disaster. Presumptive setup man Jason Grilli was brought in with one out in the eighth inning to protect a one-run lead, and immediately gave up the tying homer and a walk. After a strikeout, Grilli was pulled, but took the…

  • Fernando Rodney’s quiver is almost empty

    April 28, 2017 Arizona Diamondbacks –The monkey is keeping a close eye on this situation, folks. With a four-run lead in the ninth Thursday, the D-Backs opted to use J.J. Hoover, who pitched a clean inning. Jorge De La Rosa was available, but Torey Luvullo’s use of Hoover may indicate he’s the man to own behind…