Closer Monkey

Closer Monkey | 2026

  • Athletics closer Trevor Rosenthal placed on IL

    April 1, 2021 Oakland A’s — Closer Trevor Rosenthal has been placed on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation. Expect Jake Diekman to take over as closer in the interim, with Sergio Romo another possible option. Yusmeiro Petit and Lou Trivino should move into the seventh inning. Updated hierarchy: Diekman | Romo | Petit.

  • Baseball Opening Day!

    April 1, 2021 Boston Red Sox — Matt Barnes was cleared to rejoin the team and will be ready for opening day today.  We will move Barnes back to the closer role, but it might be worth noting that the Red Sox haven’t actually announced whether Barnes or Ottavino will close. Updated hierarchy: Barnes |…

  • Hector Neris to close for Phillies

    March 31, 2021 Philadelphia Phillies – In a bit of a surprise, Joe Girardi said that Hector Neris will open the season as the Phillies closer. Offseason signings Archie Bradley and Jose Alvarado will serve as setup men. Updated hierarchy: Neris | Bradley | Alvarado.

  • Matt Barnes tests positive for COVID-19, will not be on Opening Day roster

    March 27, 2021 Boston Red Sox — Matt Barnes tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be on the Opening Day roster. Adam Ottavino should take over as the closer, provided he isn’t also sidelined after contact tracing is complete. We’ll hopefully learn more on who is available and who isn’t, but don’t be surprised…

  • Nick Anderson out until at least August

    March 26, 2021 Tampa Bay Rays — Nick Anderson learned Thursday that a partially torn elbow ligament will put him out of action for at least the first half of the season. Until his August return, Pete Fairbanks and Diego Castillo should see even more of high-leverage work, with Chaz Roe and Ryan Thompson also…

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