Closer Monkey

Closer Monkey | 2026

  • Drinking the Haderade amidst a night of vulture saves

    May 1, 2018 Cleveland Indians – The Indians picked an interesting spot for Cody Allen yesterday, summoning him with 1 out in the 8th inning AFTER they had already relinquished their lead a batter earlier. But if the idea was to keep the game close, the move was prescient, as they went on to rally…

  • Darren O’Day looking like the guy in Baltimore

    April 30, 2018 Baltimore Orioles – Darren O’Day has collected the last two saves in the Baltimore bullpen, with the rather looming caveat that they’ve come 9 days apart. O’Day has given up three HRs in 11.2 IP this year, which obviously isn’t ideal for a closer, but he’s also got 15 Ks (and only…

  • Barraclough records save, plus a panda sighting?

    April 29, 2018 Miami Marlins — With Brad Ziegler not 100%, the Marlins turned to Kyle Barraclough to protect a three-run lead.  Barraclough responded by striking out the side for his first save of the season.  Ziegler has not pitched particularly well so far this season and this could be a preview of things to…

  • Greg Holland can’t stay on track; Ryan Buchter goes to the DL

    April 28, 2018 St. Louis Cardinals — Just as Greg Holland seemed to be ascending to the closer’s role, he fell apart while protecting a three-run lead. He was victimized by an error, but he also left without recording an out. After the game, Mike Matheny said it may take some more time for Holland to…

  • Joe Kelly begins suspension; Mike Matheny keeps us in suspense

    April 27, 2018 Boston Red Sox — Major League Baseball has rejected Joe Kelly’s appeal, putting into effect his six-game suspension, which began Thursday night. Craig Kimbrel has been busy lately, so expect Matt Barnes and Carson Smith to help Kimbrel carry the load with Kelly out. Alex Cora also mentioned that lefty Brian Johnson and righty Hector…

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