Closer Monkey | 2026

  • Craig Kimbrel traded in Opening Day blockbuster

    April 5, 2015 San Diego Padres — Craig Kimbrel has moved to San Diego in a blockbuster trade and will immediately step into the closer’s role. With Kevin Quackenbush possibly going to AAA, Shawn Kelley may move into his job. Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Benoit | Kelley. Atlanta Braves — With the Opening Day salary dump of…

  • Dellin Betances’s awful spring has forced him into a committee

    April 3, 2015 New York Yankees – Dellin Betances has one more outing scheduled before the regular season starts, and it better be a good one, because the stories about his bad spring are becoming increasingly critical. Given his rough March — which included a 6.14 ERA and a fastball that didn’t seem to have as…

  • Luke Gregerson confirmed as Astros closer

    March 31, 2015 Houston Astros – Luke Gregerson will close for the Astros to start the season, manager AJ Hinch said this afternoon. Gregerson was the frontrunner for the job after signing a 3-year, $18.5 million contract with the Astros in the offseason, and solidified his status with a strong spring. Chad Qualls and Pat…

  • Boxberger and Mujica expected to see save chances to start season

    March 30, 2015 Tampa Bay Rays — The Rays have several options to close while Jake McGee is out.  Grant Balfour should be ready for the start of the season after missing a couple weeks due to the passing away of his father.  However, it looks like Brad Boxberger will see the most save chances.  Boxberger had over 100 strikeouts last…

  • Joel Peralta nudges his way to the front in Los Angeles

    March 26, 2015 Los Angeles Dodgers — Chris Hatcher and his Wilsonesque beard have endured some rough outings lately, pushing his spring ERA over 10. Although Hatcher is a virtual lock to make the team because he’s out of minor league options, Joel Peralta may have edged in front of him in the race to lead what appears to be a…

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