Closer Monkey

Tag: David Phelps

  • Kelvin Herrera pulled with forearm tightness; Brandon Maurer could close

    August 23, 2017 Kansas City Royals — Kelvin Herrera got two quick outs with a one-run lead in the ninth but, after a bloop triple, he walked the bases loaded, then left with an injury on a 2-0 count. Lefty Scott Alexander got the unenviable task of converting the super-high-leverage save, and he rose to the…

  • Yes, Bud Norris is still the Angels’ closer

    August 9, 2017 Los Angeles Angels — Keynan Middleton overcame a solo home run to pick up his first career save. Bud Norris hadn’t pitched since Sunday, but after Tuesday’s win Mike Scioscia said that he wanted to give Norris and Blake Parker a night off because they’ve pitched so much. Norris has struggled lately,…

  • 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…

  • David Phelps traded to Mariners; will AJ Ramos be next Marlin dealt?

    July 21, 2017 Seattle Mariners — The Mariners have played good baseball as of late to get back to .500 (48-48) and made a trade Thursday to bolster the bullpen, acquiring David Phelps from the Marlins for four minor leaguers. A Seattle reporter suggests Phelps will typically work the sixth or seventh innings. Nick Vincent has been…

  • The Nationals are ever more desperate for a closer

    July 15, 2017 Washington Nationals — When Matt Albers loaded the bases in the ninth inning with a five-run lead, it gave Matt Grace a chance to earn his first career save. Albers’s struggles highlight Washington’s continuing weakness in the bullpen, which we expect to be addressed through trade in the next two weeks. K-Rod,…