Closer Monkey

Tag: Jake Diekman

  • Mark Melancon’s woes continue; Joe Nathan nears return

    April 22, 2015 Pittsburgh Pirates – Mark Melancon had another rough outing on Tuesday in what has been a less than stellar year for the Pirates closer. His velocity has been down all season and his ERA moved to 8.53 after he allowed three runs on Tuesday. Melancon doesn’t “pay attention” to the drop in his fastball and…

  • 2015 NL East Preview

    March 9, 2015 Atlanta Braves – In 2012, Craig Kimbrel reached a milestone that no pitcher had ever reached before, striking out more than 50 percent (116 out of 231) of the batters that he faced. Kid K hasn’t managed that feat in the two years since; he’s merely settled for being arguably the best…

  • Uehara has worst outing of career, Qualls returns

    August 23, 2014 Boston Red Sox — Koji Uehara had the worst relief outing of his career last night.  He gave up 5 runs, all with two outs, and blew his third save of the season.  Uehara has given up at least one run in three straight appearances, after giving up zero runs in his previous…

  • Jonathan Broxton and Josh Lindblom establishing themselves in their new bullpens

    August 2, 2012 Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies picked up Josh Lindblom in the Shane Victorino trade, and proved they would use him in tight spots immediately.  He was one of three relievers to record an out in the 8th to bridge the gap to Jonathan Papelbon.  Hierarchy change: Josh Lindblom to 2nd in line,…

  • Jake Diekman ascending after a steady June

    June 29, 2012 Philadelphia Phillies – Chad Qualls was sent to the minors on Thursday.  Jake Diekman has a 2.08 ERA in June and has been pitching in some higher-leverage late-inning spots as of late, and will move up to take Qualls’s place.  Hierarchy change: Jake Diekman to 2nd in line, replacing Chad Qualls. |Closer…