Closer Monkey

Tag: Jose Alvarado

  • Uneasy times for owners of Greg Holland and Ken Giles

    April 14, 2018 St. Louis Cardinals — In a clear save opportunity, the Cardinals opted to go with Bud Norris over $14 million man Greg Holland. Norris put the tying runs on base, but managed to escape unscathed. Even as Norris was struggling, Holland wasn’t warming up, although Mike Matheny likes whoever is closing to feel…

  • Bullpen shakeups abound as teams set 25-man rosters

    March 27, 2018 Tampa Bay Rays – Two veteran relievers that appeared to be strong candidates for set-up roles at the start of the spring — Daniel Hudson and Dan Jennings — didn’t even make the roster and will be seeking employment elsewhere. The moves were both a bit surprising — Hudson couldn’t get anyone…

  • The Padres were serious about this committee thing

    May 29, 2017 New York Yankees – Adam Warren entered the game with 2 outs in the 8th inning with the tying run on deck, retired the first man he faced, then stayed on for the 9th for his first save of the season. He remains the Yankees’ 7th-inning man for now. Hierarchy remains: Betances…

  • Mark Melancon is back; Brandon Maurer is bad

    May 18, 2017 San Francisco Giants — Mark Melancon was activated from the disabled list a few days earlier than expected, and will immediately return to the closer role for the Giants. Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Law | Strickland. San Diego Padres — There’s still no word on when Carter Capps will return from extended spring training,…

  • Steve Cishek struggles after Edwin Diaz is demoted

    May 17, 2017 Seattle Mariners — Edwin Diaz was demoted from the closer role Tuesday, replaced by a committee that will include Nick Vincent, Tony Zych, newly returned Steve Cishek, and Mark Rzepczynski. Two of those guys – Vincent and Zych – were unavailable for Tuesday night’s game, having pitched both three straight. That left…