Closer Monkey

Tag: Jim Johnson

  • Jim Johnson should close after Arodys Vizcaino injures his oblique

    July 15, 2016 Atlanta Braves — In an attempt to shake off nine days of rust, Brian Snitker called on Arodys Vizcaino in the ninth with the Braves down five. The move backfired terribly when Vizcaino exited after three pitches with what appeared to be a right oblique injury. After the game, Snitker announced that Vizcaino…

  • Tyler Clippard inches to the front of the Diamondbacks committee

    July 11, 2016 Arizona Diamondbacks – After their starter logged six innings, the Diamondbacks went first to Daniel Hudson for the 7th, then to Tyler Clippard for the 8th, in a losing effort. Though Chip Hale has said both relievers will get opportunities, it seems the pecking order is set, and Clippard is now more likely to…

  • Daniel Hudson and Tyler Clippard fighting to replace Brad Ziegler

    July 9, 2016 Arizona Diamondbacks — Arizona traded away closer Brad Ziegler early Saturday morning. Daniel Hudson, returning from the bereavement list today, is positioned to get the first crack at saves, but Tyler Clippard (10.86 K/9, 54 career saves) has been pitching more effectively and will also be in the mix. With the season slipping away, both men could potentially…

  • Brandon Maurer wobbles through his first save for the Padres

    July 2, 2016 San Diego Padres — True to his word, Andy Green gave Brandon Maurer the first save opportunity in the post-Fernando Rodney era, although it wasn’t the smoothest debut. Maurer entered in the ninth, up four with two men on, and allowed a run-scoring double, an RBI groundout, and a wild pitch that lowered the lead to one.…

  • Arodys Vizcaino, Sean Doolittle among possible trade candidates

    June 24, 2016 Oakland A’s – Former (or sometimes) closer Sean Doolittle picked up his fourth save of the season Thursday night. Regular closer Ryan Madson, meanwhile, pitched the eighth inning. It appears manager Bob Melvin was playing matchups, as Madson was asked to mow down Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and C.J. Cron. He retired…