Closer Monkey

Tag: Kirby Yates

  • Blake Parker finding his form; Jordan Hicks hits 105 mph

    May 21, 2018 Washington Nationals – After appearing in exactly half of the team’s first 42 games, Ryan Madson was placed on the disabled list with a sore pectoral muscle. Brandon Kintzler should be the main set-up man in his absence, while old friend Shawn Kelley returns to the hierarchy for the first time since…

  • Phillies enter committee mode; Bruce Rondon and Jim Johnson could see more save chances

    May 14, 2018 Philadelphia Phillies – Two days after Hector Neris blew a save against the Mets, Gabe Kapler declared that the Phillies will no longer have a consistent 9th inning approach. This was Kapler’s initial plan in spring training, but the first six weeks of the season saw Neris in the role; now, it…

  • Ottavino, Clippard having resurgent seasons

    May 7, 2018 Colorado Rockies – With Wade Davis getting the afternoon off, Adam Ottavino picked up his first save of the season. Ottavino has quietly been maybe the single best reliever in all of baseball thus far, with 35 Ks in 19 innings and only 1 earned run allowed all season, and should be…

  • Ken Giles is hurting, but how badly?

    April 20, 2018 Houston Astros — Manager A.J. Hinch revealed before Thursday’s game that Ken Giles has been dealing with back tightness that has “gotten a bit worse.” The tightness was the reason for his absence for the last couple days. Giles said after Thursday’s game that he believes he must have slept wrong, but he’ll be “ready to…

  • Keynan Middleton, Matt Albers now sitting atop their respective committees

    April 10, 2018 Los Angeles Angels – With the major caveat that this is Mike Scioscia, recent usage suggests something we’ve alluded to in our last two Angels updates: that Keynan Middleton looks like the guy to own in the Angels bullpen right now. The latest example comes from last night’s game, which played out…