Closer Monkey

Closer Monkey | 2026

  • Jose Leclerc is out for now

    May 2, 2019 Texas Rangers — As we alerted you Wednesday afternoon, Jose Leclerc is getting a breather from the closer role, and either Chris Martin or Shawn Kelley should see the next chance. Martin has been pitching after Kelley all year, while Kelley has better numbers and some closing experience. Whichever direction the Rangers…

  • Jose Leclerc out as Rangers closer

    May 1, 2019 Texas Rangers – Chris Woodward said this afternoon that he was removing Jose Leclerc from the closer role. Leclerc was one of the most promising young arms in baseball coming into the year, but for now, it looks like Chris Martin and Shawn Kelley will be the top choices for saves in…

  • Jose Leclerc may not be the Rangers closer much longer

    May 1, 2019 Texas Rangers – Jose Leclerc’s struggles continued on Tuesday night, as he blew a 3-0 lead thanks to two doubles and two infield singles. He hasn’t pitched a clean inning since April 3, which is not optimal. After the game, Chris Woodward declined to outright remove Leclerc from the closer’s role. However,…

  • Reyes Moronta becoming a key cog in Giants bullpen

    April 30, 2019 Boston Red Sox – The Red Sox were up by 5 going into the ninth, but Hector Velazquez allowed three runners to reach, creating a save situation for Matt Barnes, who shut the door for his second save of the year. Ryan Brasier remains the preferred option here, while Barnes is doing…

  • AJ Minter, Will Smith looking over their shoulders

    April 29, 2019 Tampa Bay Rays – Diego Castillo pitched a scoreless ninth for the Rays on Sunday, notching his 3rd save of the year. Jose Alvarado pitched the 8th and looks like he will be continually deployed when the opposing lineup is most threatening. This appears to be a full-fledged committee, with Alvarado, Castillo,…

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