Closer Monkey

Tag: Brian Matusz

  • 2015 AL East preview

    March 6, 2015 Baltimore Orioles — It’s a bullpen bonanza in Baltimore, as the Orioles return seven pitchers from last year, a group that combined to throw 80% of the innings out of the ‘pen last year. Zach Britton saved 37 games last season after winning the job and will be back as the closer again in 2015.…

  • Vic Black is lurking in Queens

    May 28, 2014 New York Mets — After Jenrry Mejia took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon and proclaimed he was “very comfortable” with the closer role, Terry Collins tested that resolve with a two-inning, 37-pitch slog against the Pirates. Mejia earned the save and, no doubt, a day off. Vic Black made his return appearance in…

  • Zach Britton pitching his way out of long relief

    May 2, 2014 Los Angeles Dodgers – Chris Perez came on in a save spot in the 8th inning, and then stayed on for the 9th after the Dodgers stretched their lead for his first save of the year.  He’s entrenched as the Los Angeles set-up man and stands to inherit the job should anything happen…

  • Hector Rondon has dazzling 9th inning; Raul Valdes in the mix in Houston

    April 28, 2014 Baltimore Orioles – Just five days removed from giving up four earned runs to the Blue Jays, Evan Meek got knocked around again on Sunday, and has now given up 8 ERs in his last 1.1 innings pitched.  It’s unlikely he’ll be trusted with any more important innings until he gets things turned…

  • Rafael Betancourt could be on a short leash; Tommy Hunter picks up save

    August 22, 2013 Colorado Rockies – Rafael Betancourt’s third outing since returning from the DL ended in a blown save.  Betancourt has been reliable all year, and had posted two scoreless appearances since his return.  But he’s also 38 years old, and the Rockies are well out of the playoff race.  With Rex Brothers flourishing…