Closer Monkey

Tag: Blake Parker

  • Yoshihisa Hirano impresses en route to his first MLB save

    September 12, 2018 Arizona Diamondbacks — Heading into Tuesday’s game, we liked Jake Diekman to see the first post-Boxberger save chance, and sure enough Diekman was first out of the ‘pen for the final inning. However, he allowed a double and a bunt single to the only two batters (both lefties) he faced before Yoshihisa…

  • Carlos Martinez will close full time for St. Louis; Brad Boxberger should be out

    September 10, 2018 St. Louis Cardinals — As we speculated a few days ago, Mike Shildt has elected to leave Jordan Hicks in the eighth inning and use opening-day starter Carlos Martinez as the Cardinals’ new closer. Martinez pitched a perfect ninth on Sunday for his second save of the season. Bud Norris’s role has been…

  • Tommy Hunter, Ty Buttrey record saves

    September 8, 2018 Washington Nationals — Although their game was rained out yesterday, the Nationals did activate Sean Doolittle from the DL. He hasn’t pitched since July 6, so he may not resume closing immediately, but we expect him to be back in that role sooner rather than later since the Nationals’ committee has been shaky…

  • Justin Miller is the Washington closer-du-jour

    August 28, 2018 Chicago Cubs – After Steve Cishek and Carl Edwards Jr. handled the 7th and 8th, things got interesting for Pedro Strop in the 9th. Strop allowed two base runners while recording only one out, after which he was promptly removed. Justin Wilson gave up a hit to the only batter he faced,…

  • Nationals, Dodgers playing bullpen roulette

    August 14, 2018 Texas Rangers – Jose LeClerc picked up his second save of the season on Monday, and for the second time, it was Cory Gearrin pitching the 8th ahead of him. With Chris Martin struggling from his return to the DL and Alex Claudio hardly ever pitching when the Rangers are ahead, look…