Closer Monkey

Category: San Diego Padres

  • James Karinchak with a second save in two days

    May 20, 2021 Cleveland Indians — Make it two straight saves for James Karinchak, this one coming after Emmanuel Clase pitched the eighth. After the game, Terry Francona said that he was playing matchups and Clase was still the closer, but we’re bringing the asterisk back in the meantime. Cleveland’s bullpen has been so good…

  • A’s wink at a possible committee going forward

    May 4, 2021 San Diego Padres – Drew Pomeranz continued his strong season with a clean, 2-strikeout 8th inning ahead of Mark Melancon. Emilio Pagan has been perfectly decent — and the placement of these two might be trivial if the Padres decide on a committee approach should Melancon miss time — but for now,…

  • Everyone seems to be getting a save in Seattle and Kansas City

    April 16, 2021 Seattle Mariners – It sure looks like a committee is taking shape in Seattle. Kendall Graveman and Keynan Middleton each earned their second save of the year in both ends of a doubleheader on Thursday. Rafael Montero, who also has two saves this season, pitched the sixth inning to set up Graveman…

  • Diego Castillo and Mark Melancon are clear committee leaders

    April 3, 2021 Tampa Bay Rays — These are the Rays we know and love! Pete Fairbanks got the high-leverage final out in the sixth; Chaz Roe collected a hold, but was instrumental in blowing the lead; and the save chance wound up with Diego Castillo, his second in as many days. While Tampa’s bullpen…

  • A busy Opening Day across Major League Baseball

    April 2, 2021 St. Louis Cardinals – Is Alex Reyes the closer? Let’s look at the evidence. Reyes pitched the ninth with a five-run lead, allowing a hit and a walk with a strikeout in a scoreless inning to secure the win. Before the game. beat writer Derrick Goold says he believes Reyes is the…