Closer Monkey

Tag: Jose Leclerc

  • Aroldis Chapman shaky again for Rangers; Tanner Scott back for Marlins

    September 29, 2023 Texas Rangers — Jose Leclerc, who we like the most in the Texas bullpen, entered in the eighth inning on Thursday, tossing a scoreless frame. That left the ninth for Aroldis Chapman, who struggled again. He was charged with two runs on two hits and a walk and did not record an out.…

  • Rangers look to an old friend for 9th inning help

    September 25, 2023 Cincinnati Reds – Coming off two rough outings on Wednesday and Saturday, the Reds opted to pitch Alexis Diaz in the 8th inning with a 1-run lead. Diaz did his job, leaving the 9th for Ian Gibaut, who converted for the save. Diaz had been so good all season long — save…

  • Watch out for the red-hot Royals!

    September 20, 2023 Kansas City Royals – Don’t look now, but the Royals have won six of their last seven games! Four different relievers have picked up a save in that span, with Collin Snider earning his first MLB save on Tuesday. Carlos Hernandez faced the 9-1-2 hitters in the eighth and gave up a…

  • A proven closer collects another save

    May 17, 2023 New York Yankees – You read the Vulture Save Watch yesterday and knew Michael King still isn’t pitching on consecutive days, which paved the way for Clay Holmes in the eighth and Wandy Peralta in the ninth to close out a Yankee win. Hierarchy remains: *King | Peralta | Holmes.* = closer-by-committee…

  • The “Dead Fish” is back in the bigs

    May 9, 2023 Los Angeles Angels – An evening bereft of significant bullpen news allows us to use this space to highlight one of our favorite relievers in recent years. Cesar Valdez, the 38-year-old creator of the “Dead Fish” change-up — which he throws about 80% of the time, albeit with different grips and arm…