All articles tagged with #closer
The San Diego Padres are on the verge of clinching a postseason spot with one more win or a Mets loss, and are likely to face the Cubs in the wild-card series. Key players like Morejón and Suarez are pivotal, while the team aims to improve performance and manage player rest before the playoffs.
David Bednar appears to be the leading candidate for the Yankees' closer role after a strong performance, including a five-out save, amidst competition from other relievers. His experience and recent form suggest he could be the team's primary closer this season.
The Phillies acquired reliever Jhoan Duran from the Twins to serve as their new closer, aiming to strengthen their bullpen for a potential World Series run, with Duran's role expected to bring more stability and depth to their pitching staff.
Dodgers closer Tanner Scott left a game early due to a forearm injury, with an MRI pending, raising concerns about his availability for the rest of the season. Scott, who has struggled this year with a 4.14 ERA and seven blown saves, is a key player for the team, and his injury adds to the ongoing pitching challenges faced by the Dodgers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have added All-Star closer Alexis Diaz to their roster after acquiring him from the Reds, but his recent performance at Triple-A has been poor, indicating a possible desperation move by the team.
Luke Weaver is expected to be on the injured list for 4-6 weeks due to a hamstring injury, impacting the Yankees' bullpen and likely returning the closer role to Devin Williams, who has been performing well. The team also anticipates Fernando Cruz's return to bolster their late-inning options.
The New York Mets have placed closer Edwin Diaz on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder impingement after he blew four saves this season.
After a series of rough starts, Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced that Kyle Hendricks will move to the bullpen. The team is considering using him in high-leverage situations, possibly as a closer, given his strong performance in the first inning of games. This move aims to rejuvenate Hendricks' career and improve the team's chances of winning.
The Houston Astros have named newly signed Josh Hader as their closer, moving incumbent Ryan Pressly into a setup role, according to new manager Joe Espada. Hader, who signed a $95 million, five-year contract, will take over the closing duties from Pressly, who had 102 saves for the team in the past four seasons. Both pitchers have expressed support for the decision, emphasizing the importance of roles and routines in their performances.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have reached an agreement with closer Aroldis Chapman on a one-year, $10.5 million deal, pending a physical. Chapman, who previously had a one-year deal with the Royals, secured the raise after an impressive season culminating in his second World Series win, boasting a 3.09 ERA over 58 1/3 innings and striking out 41.4% of opposing hitters.
The Baltimore Orioles are close to signing veteran closer Craig Kimbrel, according to sources. The Orioles have a need for a closer after Felix Bautista's season-ending Tommy John surgery. Kimbrel, a seven-time All-Star, has accumulated 332 saves and a 1.97 ERA during his career. Although his performance has declined in his 30s, he made two more All-Star teams from 2019 to 2023. The Orioles, who surprised many by winning 101 games last season, are looking to bolster their bullpen.
Houston Astros closer Ryan Pressly, a Dallas native with a tattoo of Texas on his back and a penchant for cowboy boots, embodies the Lone Star State as he aims to help his team win the all-Texas American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Rangers. With 13 career postseason saves, Pressly has proven himself as a reliable closer, and he hopes to contribute to the Astros' quest for their third consecutive World Series appearance. Pressly recently reached 100 saves with the Astros and has been named to multiple All-Star teams, solidifying his status as one of baseball's top relief pitchers.
Baltimore Orioles' All-Star closer Félix Bautista will undergo Tommy John surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2023 season and likely the 2024 season as well. The 28-year-old right-hander partially tore the UCL in his right elbow in August and had been hoping to return this year, but the Orioles decided to prioritize his long-term recovery. Bautista had an impressive season with a 1.48 ERA, 33 saves, and 110 strikeouts in 56 appearances.
Baltimore Orioles closer Félix Bautista exited the game with arm discomfort in the ninth inning, slipping awkwardly off the mound after delivering a pitch. Manager Brandon Hyde stated that Bautista is still being evaluated, and expressed hope that he will be okay. Bautista, who is tied for the American League lead in saves, has an 8-2 record and a 1.49 ERA.
Liam Hendriks, the Chicago White Sox closer, will be activated from the 15-day injured list on Monday after completing treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Hendriks has been throwing bullpens and live BP sessions to build up his arm strength and threw six Triple-A rehab outings earlier this month. His return is an enormous lift to the White Sox clubhouse, as Hendriks is a beloved figure both with teammates and with his peers throughout baseball.