Closer Monkey

Tag: Matt Belisle

  • Sean Doolittle is back on the DL

    May 4, 2017 Oakland A’s — Tough news for the A’s, who announced that Sean Doolittle has yet another shoulder strain, his third in three years. The early speculation is that Doolittle could be out for a while. As a result, Ryan Dull moves into the hierarchy, Santiago Casilla kicks his asterisk, and potential future closer Bobby Wahl…

  • Bud Norris picks up another save

    April 25, 2017 Los Angeles Angels – The Angels traded for veteran reliever David Hernandez and immediately used him in a big spot.  With the Angels clinging to a one run lead in the eight inning, Hernandez came on with a runner on first and one out.  He retired the only two batters he faced to preserve the…

  • Cam Bedrosian might have to share save chances

    April 4, 2017 Los Angeles Angels – Despite his excellent spring training, Cam Bedrosian will share closing duties while Huston Street is out. Mike Scioscia shied away from calling the arrangement a “committee,” saying instead that he wants to retain the flexibility to use his ‘closer’ earlier in the game if matchups require. Wise though this might be,…

  • Shawn Kelley still has the inside track in Washington

    June 16, 2016 Washington Nationals — Dusty Baker celebrated his 67th birthday by playing matchups in the ninth, calling on the newly healthy Matt Belisle, followed by lefthander Oliver Perez. The two combined to blow the save with a double and a home run, and it was good ol’ Shawn Kelley who wound up finishing the ninth. Combine the plethora of above-average relievers…

  • 2015 NL Central preview

    March 8, 2015 Chicago Cubs – The Cubs enter the season with more certainty at closer than they have had in years. Hector Rondon did not waste his opportunity last year, and enters this year with Joe Maddon already committing to him as the closer. Maddon has never been shy about using his closer in non-save…