Closer Monkey

Closer Monkey | 2026

  • Giovanny Gallegos, Joe Barlow could be earning more save chances

    August 31, 2021 St. Louis Cardinals – A day after saying they were evaluating their 9th inning options, the Cardinals gave the save opportunity to Giovanny Gallegos, who converted. We’ll slide him to the top of the hierarchy for the time being, and think he’s the best bet to fully take over the job, should…

  • Cardinals to reevaluate closer role

    August 30, 2021 St. Louis Cardinals – It’s been a rough month for Alex Reyes, and after Sunday’s blown save — which included a Dan McLaughlin sad trombone that rivaled some of Hawk Harrelson’s walkoff laments — Mike Shildt acknowledged that the Cardinals are evaluating how they should handle the 9th inning going forward. Giovanny…

  • Lou Trivino to get a break from closing

    August 29, 2021 Oakland A’s – Sergio Romo worked around a two-run homer from Aaron Judge to preserve a 3-2 A’s win and pick up his first save of the season.  Manager Bob Melvin said he would give Lou Trivino a break from closing, but mentioned that he hoped to get Trivino back in the…

  • Carlos Estevez is closing in Colorado

    August 28, 2021 Colorado Rockies – We warned you on Thursday and alerted you last night; Daniel Bard has been replaced by Carlos Estevez — at least for now — in Colorado.  Updated hierarchy: Estevez | Bard | Chacin. Boston Red Sox — Boston’s first save without Matt Barnes went to Adam Ottavino, who worked around…

  • Carlos Estevez takes over as closer in Colorado

    August 28, 2021 Colorado Rockies – As we noted on Wednesday, Daniel Bard’s recent struggles were getting too big to ignore. Bard had a long talk with manager Bud Black before today’s game, and when the Rockies had a 1 run over the Dodgers lead going into the late innings, Bard took the 8th and…

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