Closer Monkey

Tag: Sergio Santos

  • Melancon could remain Pirates closer even after Grilli’s return

    September 3, 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates — Mark Melancon’s outstanding performance as the Bucs’ interim closer could give Clint Hurdle the luxury of easing Jason Grilli back into high-leverage use. Grilli struck out the side in his Monday rehab appearance with the Altoona Curve; he’s expected to make one last rehab appearance on Wednesday for AAA playoff team Indianapolis, unless the…

  • Steve Delabar hits DL; Kintzler, Smith seeing bigger innings

    August 5, 2013 Milwaukee Brewers – Just a week ago, John Axford was being mentioned by Ron Roenicke as a possible part-time closer, but after a dominant stretch, the beleaguered righty has now given up 6 runs in his last 3.1 innings.  He’s been dropped back to middle inning duty, while Brandon Kintzler and Mike…

  • Seattle bullpen melts down; Sergio Santos finally returns

    August 2, 2013 Seattle Mariners – Tom Wilhelmsen led the Seattle bullpen to one of the most epic collapses of the season thus far, as he, Oliver Perez, and Yoervis Medina combined to allow six runs in the 9th inning in an 8-7 loss to the Red Sox.  The three relievers combined to retire only…

  • Kenley Jansen closes for the Dodgers; John Axford is still lousy

    May 15, 2013 Los Angeles Dodgers — After 132 pitches got Clayton Kershaw only 26 outs, Don Mattingly turned to Kenley Jansen, not Brandon League, to finish off the 2-0 win. Although Mattingly recently declared League his closer “for now,” that tepid reassurance apparently came with an expiration date. The Dodger relievers might swap roles over the next few…

  • Bell likely to replace Putz, while Tazawa is confirmed in Boston; Marmol back up, Axford back down

    May 8, 2013 Arizona Diamondbacks — J.J. Putz gave up a four-pitch walk to start the ninth Tuesday night, then immediately exited with elbow stiffness. Although Heath Bell is allowing 1.5 baserunners per inning, he has significant experience as a closer and has probably outpitched David Hernandez so far this year. Kirk Gibson might give lip service to a closer-by-committee system,…