Closer Monkey | 2026
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First Half in Review for Relievers: Results of Interest and Trends
Although injuries forced most of the hierarchal changes in the first half of the season, the trade deadline should provide more role changes before August. For now, looking back at the top performers helps fantasy managers prepare for the stretch run. There will also be risers and fallers in some key categories comparing first-half results…
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Monkey Bytes: July 15
Sunday’s full game slate provided high-leverage events of interest and the end of the first half. Ten relievers recorded a win, one via a “bulk” outing behind an opener. Eight saves were recorded, with only one being a reliever’s first of the season (Roansy Contreras). There were walk-offs by the Giants and the Tigers, plus…
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Monkey Bytes: July 14
Saturday featured a 16-game slate with a doubleheader and two extra-inning contests. It also yielded nine wins by relievers (56.3 percent) and seven saves, including the first of Dedniel Núñez‘s career. It also featured the second trade of the season involving a reliever: Kansas City Royals – After a shutout loss in Boston, the team…
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Monkey Bytes: July 13
Friday’s full slate featured five reliever wins and eight saves. There was only one extra-inning game, with the Angels prevailing on a walk-off home run. David Bednar returned from the injured list with a save, showing no signs of rust against the White Sox. Two young guns in the American League West displayed their high-octane…
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Monkey Bytes: July 12
Thursday’s slate started slowly but finished with two reliever wins and six saves. Paul Sewald recorded his second save in as many days with a little help from his defense, and Josh Hader fired a clean ninth against the Marlins, closing out a series sweep. There have been reports that Pittsburgh will activate David Bednar…
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