Closer Monkey

Closer Monkey | 2026

  • Erik Swanson and Will Smith record saves

    August 6, 2023 Toronto Blue Jays – A day after Jordan Hicks picked up his first save as a Blue Jay, Toronto went back to Erik Swanson.  Swanson gave up a run but benefited from the Red Sox getting doubled up off second base on a fly out to end the game.   It appears to…

  • Brash and Cox pick up Vulture saves

    August 5, 2023 Kansas City Royals – The Royals are in the midst of a 7 game winning streak, and last night turned the 9th inning over to rookie Austin Cox. Cox shut the door for the first save of his career. Cox started his career on a 6 game scoreless streak before running into…

  • Seranthony Dominguez gets another save as Phillies wonder if Craig Kimbrel has been tipping pitches

    August 4, 2023 Philadelphia Phillies – Seranthony Dominguez earned his second save in the past three days on Thursday, allowing one hit with one strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning. Score one for the Vulture Save Watch. While Gregory Soto was likely unavailable Thursday, Dominguez’s success this week is hard to ignore. If you recall,…

  • Sure looks like a committee in Toronto

    August 3, 2023 Toronto Blue Jays – Erik Swanson earned the first save for the Blue Jays in the Jordan Hicks era, but it comes with the caveat that Hicks faced the heart of Baltimore’s order in the eighth. No swap to this hierarchy yet, but we’ll keep an eye on it. Hierarchy remains: *Hicks…

  • Recapping a relatively calm Deadline Day

    August 2, 2023 Kansas City Royals – As expected, the Royals dealt closer Scott Barlow, sending him to the Padres. We expect Carlos Hernandez to lead a committee that includes Taylor Clarke and Dylan Coleman. Updated hierarchy: *Hernandez | Clarke | Coleman.* = closer-by-committee San Diego Padres — The Padres traded for Royals closer Scott Barlow…

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