Closer Monkey

Tag: Matt Strahm

  • Michael King, Mark Leiter Jr. take the lead in their respective committees

    May 8, 2023 Philadelphia Phillies – Matt Strahm came on for the 8th inning to protect a 3-run lead, then stayed on for the 9th after the Phillies stretched their lead further, earning his first career save. But in what is potentially more relevant news, Jose Alvarado was used in the 7th against the heart…

  • Dodgers-Diamondbacks doubleheader delivers pair of vulture saves

    September 21, 2022 Arizona Diamondbacks — In game two of a doubleheader with the Dodgers, Reyes Moronta pitched a perfect ninth inning for his first save of the season and only the second save of September for Arizona. Moronta also pitched a perfect ninth in his last appearance on Sept. 15, retiring the Padres’ 2-3-4…

  • Kenley Jansen expected to be activated today

    July 13, 2022 Atlanta Braves — Kenley Jansen is expected to be activated today and should immediately return to the closer’s role. AJ Minter has collected the Braves’ last three saves, including one last night, and we’ll reward him with a few more hours at the top of this hierarchy. Updated hierarchy: *Minter | Smith…

  • A.J. Puk, Zach Jackson the frontrunners for saves in Oakland

    June 22, 2022 Oakland A’s – The A’s placed Dany Jimenez on the IL yesterday with a shoulder injury, though an MRI showed no structural damage. Manager Mark Kotsay mentioned A.J. Puk and Zach Jackson as options to fill in for Jimenez. Updated hierarchy: *Puk | Jackson | Acevedo.* = closer-by-committee Boston Red Sox –…

  • Joe Kelly gets first post-Hendriks save chance; Josh Hader is back

    June 21, 2022 New York Mets – A day after one of Seth Lugo’s worst outings of the season, Drew Smith was tasked with the 8th of a four-run game, pitching a scoreless inning. Lugo has been serviceable this season (3.81 ERA), but he isn’t the lockdown reliever he was a few years ago, while…