Closer Monkey | 2026

  • Trade Deadline Primer, 2.0: Relievers in a fluid market

    Trade Deadline Primer, 2.0: Relievers in a fluid market

    Not much has changed since last week’s first Trade Deadline Primer, but writers’ clickbait will continue, especially once we enter July. How teams handle their rosters will evolve over the next two weeks ahead of the All-Star game and take shape with about a week left before the July 30 deadline. Setting a baseline, here…

  • Monkey Bytes: June 28

    Monkey Bytes: June 28

    Thursday’s nine contests yielded four reliever wins, two losses, and four saves. Anthony Bender recorded a blown save and a win against the Phillies, a rare but intriguing combination for a reliever. Both Chicago teams not only won, but each recorded a save, another rare circumstance this season. Because of the limited slate, reliever leaderboards…

  • Monkey Bytes: June 27

    Wednesday provided one of the strangest slates in recent memory. Of the 16 games played, five had a reliever record a win, and only five ended in a save. Two were a reliever’s first of the season: Adrian Houser (NYM) and Trent Thornton (SEA). Eight high-leverage relievers made non-save appearances, including James McArthur, Mason Miller,…

  • Monkey Bytes: June 26

    Tuesday did not provide a full slate, with St. Louis and Atlanta postponed for a split doubleheader until today. However, relievers recorded eight wins and seven saves. Only two relievers suffered a loss, one by the Royals, which will be highlighted below. Three Takeaways Our condensed and full game recaps cover Tuesday’s contests’ high-leverage events…

  • Monkey Bytes: June 25

    Monday’s 12-game slate featured six reliever wins, including three on walk-offs and six saves. Fantasy managers were frustrated by the Dodgers’ usage pattern during a combined shutout, and the Cubs blew another save chance. Three Takeaways Our condensed and full game recaps cover Monday’s high-leverage events of interest. Closer CliffsNotes American League (RP | BOS):…

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