Closer Monkey

Tag: Blake Treinen

  • Grimm moments for the Kansas City bullpen

    April 19, 2018 Kansas City Royals — Less than two weeks ago, Justin Grimm had three holds, a 2.08 ERA, and the inside track on the Royals’ setup job. In five appearances since, he has an ERA over 50 (a stratospheric 243.00 over his last two games) and a style aptly described on Twitter as…

  • Bud Norris earns second save in three days

    April 16, 2018 St. Louis Cardinals – Bud Norris got another save on Sunday, though it wasn’t the most inspired outing. Adam Duvall homered to lead off the inning, making it a one-run game. A bunt single and a hit batsman then sandwiched a couple of strikeouts, followed by Billy Hamilton rapping a hard liner…

  • Yankees likely to lean on Aroldis Chapman in the stretch run

    September 7, 2017 New York Yankees — With Dellin Betances struggling as head of the Yankees closer committee (7.94 ERA and two baserunners an inning over the last two weeks), Joe Girardi is strongly considering a return to Aroldis Chapman. Some say the move is a bit hasty, but the $17-million lefty won’t keep the…

  • Mark Melancon about to return for the Giants, but will his elbow hold up?

    August 12, 2017 San Francisco Giants – Mark Melancon should be activated from the DL on Saturday, but Bruce Bochy doesn’t sound terribly confident in his abilities yet, calling him merely “pitchable.” Although Bochy stresses that Melancon will close again soon, for now the $62 million man will start in lower-leverage roles. We want to be sure…

  • Rangers bullpen roles still as clear as mud

    August 7, 2017 Minnesota Twins – Protecting a one run lead, the Twins went with Trevor Hildenberger in the 6th and 7th, Taylor Rogers in the 8th, and Matt Belisle in the 9th. While Matty did a nice job, the Twins are still in committee mode for now, so we’ll leave our hierarchy right where it…