Closer Monkey

Category: Tampa Bay Rays

  • Mark Melancon is back; Brandon Maurer is bad

    May 18, 2017 San Francisco Giants — Mark Melancon was activated from the disabled list a few days earlier than expected, and will immediately return to the closer role for the Giants. Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Law | Strickland. San Diego Padres — There’s still no word on when Carter Capps will return from extended spring training,…

  • Steve Cishek struggles after Edwin Diaz is demoted

    May 17, 2017 Seattle Mariners — Edwin Diaz was demoted from the closer role Tuesday, replaced by a committee that will include Nick Vincent, Tony Zych, newly returned Steve Cishek, and Mark Rzepczynski. Two of those guys – Vincent and Zych – were unavailable for Tuesday night’s game, having pitched both three straight. That left…

  • 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…

  • Chase Whitley no longer just a long reliever

    May 3, 2017 Tampa Bay Rays — Alex Colome made his third appearance in as many days, but it was who pitched in front of him that raised some eyebrows. Erasmo Ramirez, whose last two appearances lasted four and five innings, respectively, and included a start he won, recorded an eighth-inning hold. Meanwhile, usual long reliever…

  • 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…