Closer Monkey

Tag: Joe Smith

  • Jonathan Papelbon could return to the Red Sox Thursday

    August 18, 2016 Exile — Just when you thought you were safe from the DL DC Strangler, the Red Sox look like they’re ready to bring him home. John Farrell evidently called him. David Ortiz wants to give him a hug. GM Mike Hazen was good for a backhanded compliment on the radio (“a little crazy goes a long way”). Although…

  • Pedro Strop injures his knee; Ken Giles will go on paternity leave soon

    August 11, 2016 Chicago Cubs — Hector Rondon hasn’t pitched in nine days (sore triceps), but Joe Maddon remains confident that he’ll return soon and avoid the DL. The need became more dire when Pedro Strop left Wednesday’s game with an apparent knee injury, unable to support his own weight. Filling in admirably was 24-year-old C.J. Edwards, who has a…

  • Tyler Thornburg, Edwin Diaz now closing; Craig Kimbrel returns

    August 2, 2016 Minnesota Twins – The Twins held on to Brandon Kintzler, but on Sunday they did manage to move veteran Fernando Abad. Abad, who is having a stellar season, joins the Red Sox, where he likely won’t crack the hierarchy, but his absence in Minnesota means more opportunities for Trevor May to finally…

  • New closers abound as trade deadline looms

    August 1, 2016 Milwaukee Brewers – For the second straight night, Will Smith got the 8th inning ahead of Jeremy Jeffress. Smith and Tyler Thornburg have been flipping back and forth depending on matchups, so if Jeffress is dealt today, a committee is the most likely outcome. If the Brewers want to pick just one man…

  • Jake Barrett to see more saves for Arizona

    July 31, 2016 Arizona Diamondbacks – Jake Barrett got the final four outs of the game last night to record his third save of the season.  The young right hander has impressed manager Chip Hale, who says that Barrett has earned more save chances.  We will move Barrett to the head of the committee for now, and if…