Closer Monkey

Category: Pittsburgh Pirates

  • Miller and Watson record saves

    August 7, 2016 Cleveland Indians – It wasn’t fun for Andrew Miller, but he did pick up his first save since being traded to Cleveland.  The Indians’ hope to be able to use Miller to close out games, but manager Terry Francona also likes Miller’s versatility.  Miller will occasionally be used in big spots prior to…

  • Jake Barrett to see more saves for Arizona

    July 31, 2016 Arizona Diamondbacks – Jake Barrett got the final four outs of the game last night to record his third save of the season.  The young right hander has impressed manager Chip Hale, who says that Barrett has earned more save chances.  We will move Barrett to the head of the committee for now, and if…

  • Pirates deal Mark Melancon to Nationals

    July 30, 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates — The Pirates traded Mark Melancon to Washington for multiple players, including reliever Felipe Rivero. GM Neal Huntington has named Tony Watson the closer, with Neftali Feliz spelling him if necessary and Rivero pitching the seventh. Updated hierarchy: Watson | Feliz | Rivero. Washington Nationals — The Nationals acquired closer Mark Melancon from the Pirates in…

  • Pirates, Nationals, and Braves deep in trade deadline drama

    July 30, 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates — The Pirates are fielding offers from the Nationals, Indians, and Giants for closer Mark Melancon. Although Pittsburgh is in the playoff hunt and Melancon has been one of the most effective closers in the game, the team may be looking to improve other areas of its roster while trusting some combination of…

  • Koji Uehara suffers right pectoral strain

    July 20, 2016 Boston Red Sox — The injury woes continued for the Boston bullpen on Tuesday as fill-in closer Koji Uehara left an eventual 4-0 win with a strained pectoral muscle. He will be reevaluated on Wednesday, but in the meantime Brad Ziegler will get the 9th if any save opportunities arise. Some good news…