Closer Monkey

Category: Oakland A’s

  • Jason Grilli and Ryan Madson record saves

    April 17, 2016 Oakland A’s — Ryan Madson picked up his third save of the season on Saturday, compared to just one for closer Sean Doolittle.  Doolittle came on for the last out of the 8th, getting lefty Alex Gordon to fly out.  Doolittle has struggled with homers so far this season but feels like he is still pitching well.…

  • Ryan Madson grabs another save in Oakland

    April 9, 2016 Oakland A’s — A few days ago, Bob Melvin explained that though Sean Doolittle was the team’s closer, he could be used in the eighth if matchups required a strong lefthander. And in a tie game Friday night, Doolittle came on in the eighth to face the middle of the Seattle order, including two lefties and…

  • Dalier Hinojosa latest Phillies reliever to struggle

    April 7, 2016 Philadelphia Phillies – For the second straight game the Philadelphia bullpen could not close out a one-run game. This time it was Dalier Hinojosa who blew a 9th-inning lead, loading the bases before allowing a walk-off double. After the game, Pete Mackanin said he might go back to Hinojosa, but also praised…

  • 2016 AL West preview

    February 29, 2016 Houston Astros — Ken Giles finally became the closer in Philadelphia after the Jonathan Papelbon trade, and he excelled, collecting 15 saves and striking out 87 hitters in 70 innings. Now the 25-year-old should get the chance at his first full season as a closer — although Luke Gregerson isn’t too pleased about losing his job. Gregerson…

  • Phillies will keep Jonathan Papelbon out of the playoffs again

    September 26, 2015 Washington Nationals — Jonathan Papelbon was handed a three-game suspension for throwing at Manny Machado’s head on Wednesday night. Papelbon’s pending appeal will allow him to be on the bench — or maybe even the mound! — when his old team eliminates Washington from the playoffs, as early as Saturday. When Papelbon finally does…