Closer Monkey

Tag: Craig Kimbrel

  • Craig Kimbrel: human after all

    September 18, 2013 Atlanta Braves — A blown save on Tuesday and three earned runs in his last two appearances should eliminate Craig Kimbrel from any misguided Cy Young consideration. No hierarchy change. . Closer . Set-Up . 2nd in line . 2014 Closer . Updated ATL Craig Kimbrel David Carpenter Jordan Walden Craig Kimbrel 9/18/13 . San Diego…

  • Your Astros closer of the day: Josh Fields

    August 6, 2013 Houston Astros — Houston’s bullpen situation isn’t getting any clearer. Monday night, Bo Porter played matchups in the ninth, using Wesley Wright to start the eighth, then summoning Josh Fields to face Mike Napoli with two outs. Fields, who was selected from Boston this offseason in the Rule 5 draft, struck out Napoli,…

  • Steve Cishek blows another save; Rex Brothers strengthens his hold

    June 5, 2013 Cincinnati Reds — Although Sam LeCure gave up a two-run homer that gave the Rockies the lead, the blast broke a 10-game, 9.2-inning streak in which he had allowed no runs and only one hit. LeCure is still a strong third option in the Reds bullpen. Hierarchy change: Sam LeCure to 2nd in line,…

  • Rafael Betancourt out with a tight groin; Brothers and Lopez await

    May 22, 2013 Colorado Rockies — Rafael Betancourt left Tuesday night’s game with what the team immediately described as a “tight right groin” — no real surprise given its recent workload. Betancourt was initially listed as day-to-day, but if Wednesday’s MRI leads to a DL stint, it’s likely that Rex Brothers will take over the closer role. Wilton Lopez is another option if…

  • Bell likely to replace Putz, while Tazawa is confirmed in Boston; Marmol back up, Axford back down

    May 8, 2013 Arizona Diamondbacks — J.J. Putz gave up a four-pitch walk to start the ninth Tuesday night, then immediately exited with elbow stiffness. Although Heath Bell is allowing 1.5 baserunners per inning, he has significant experience as a closer and has probably outpitched David Hernandez so far this year. Kirk Gibson might give lip service to a closer-by-committee system,…