Closer Monkey | 2026

  • Heath Bell struggles; Oakland committee humming along

    April 14, 2014 Milwaukee Brewers – With Francisco Rodriguez and Jim Henderson both getting the night off, lefty Will Smith was summoned for the one-out save chance, striking out the only man he faced on three pitches.  He’s the slickest they is, but he’s unlikely to get any more save opportunities while K-Rod and Henderson…

  • A’s call on Gregerson, Bass gets save for Astros

    April 13, 2014 Oakland A’s –Luke Gregerson picked up the first save for Oakland since Jim Johnson was removed as closer.  Sean Doolittle pitched a perfect 8th and also got the first out of the 9th before Gregerson came on to finish the game.  Tonight’s usage was likely matchup-driven, as there were 2 lefties and a…

  • Veras out as Cubs closer; Rondon, Strop, Grimm all in the mix

    April 12, 2014 Chicago Cubs — Rick Renteria just announced that Jose Veras will be moved from the closer role, and Cubs save situations going forward will be matchup-dependent. As we mentioned earlier today, Hector Rondon has been pitching great and would be our pick to close — but unfortunately for him, he’s pitched the last three days…

  • Koji Uehara has tightness in shoulder, Veras blows another save

    April 12, 2014 Boston Red Sox – Edward Mujica pitched a perfect 9th inning last night to pick up his first save of the season. Closer Koji Uehara was unavailable with shoulder tightness. The Red Sox are saying the injury is not serious but Uehara said he experienced similar tightness in Texas a couple years ago and it took…

  • Oakland’s committee becoming a little more clear

    April 11, 2014 Oakland A’s – Bob Melvin is giving Jim Johnson a break from closing duties for the time being.  Johnson may have the chance to win the job back if he pitches well, but for now, the A’s are going closer by committee.  Sean Doolittle, Luke Gregerson, Ryan Cook, and Dan Otero all…

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