Closer Monkey

Category: Pittsburgh Pirates

  • Keone Kela brings a rare ray of hope to Pittsburgh

    August 13, 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates — The Pirates haven’t lost in three days. Haven’t won either, but we’ll look on the bright side! Adding to this recent turn of good fortune, Keone Kela returns today. Kela hasn’t pitched yet this year due to his bout with COVID-19, but he’ll be active for this weekend’s series…

  • Nick Burdi’s season is over

    August 6, 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates – To add to the Pirates’ bullpen injury woes, Nick Burdi was placed on the 45-day IL and will miss the rest of the season with an elbow injury. Keone Kela is progressing towards a return and will immediately step into the closers role when he’s fit to pitch. If…

  • Ty Buttrey records first save for new Angels committee

    August 5, 2020 Los Angeles Angels — In a not-so-surprising move, Joe Maddon announced that Hansel Robles is out as closer and that the Angels will employ a closer-by-committee. We got a first look at that committee on Tuesday, as Hoby Milner, Felix Pena and Ty Buttrey combined to close out a 5-3 victory. Pena,…

  • Nick Burdi earns first save after Kyle Crick lands on IL

    July 29, 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates – Pittsburgh placed Kyle Crick on the 10-day IL on Tuesday, which paved the way for Nick Burdi to record his first career save that night. Burdi will be the favorite for save chances going forward, but Derek Shelton said on Monday that he will be careful with Burdi’s usage…

  • Around the league as Opening Day approaches

    July 20, 2020 Atlanta Braves — Will Smith has overcome his entanglement with COVID-19 and should be back before August. Mark Melancon should close for now. Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Greene | Jackson. Baltimore Orioles — The shorter season makes it more likely that closer-in-waiting Hunter Harvey will start out with a chance to claim…