Tag

Closer

All articles tagged with #closer

Dodgers reboot bullpen as Díaz hits IL again after rough return
sports7 days ago

Dodgers reboot bullpen as Díaz hits IL again after rough return

Dodgers place closer Edwin Díaz back on the 60-day IL after a rough return from elbow surgery, posting a 12.91 ERA since activation; Emmet Sheehan is recalled to provide length in relief as the team addresses a mechanical issue with Díaz’s lower arm angle, with manager Dave Roberts expressing faith in Díaz but the bullpen’s struggles may force closer-role reevaluation if performance doesn’t improve.

Diaz Pinpoints Posture and Arm Angle as Key to Dodgers' Closer Troubles
sports10 days ago

Diaz Pinpoints Posture and Arm Angle as Key to Dodgers' Closer Troubles

Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz says his recent command struggles stem from a mechanical flaw—his posture and a lower arm angle—and, after discussions with the coaching staff, he adjusted his delivery to improve timing and velocity. He managed a save in a tense outing and will rest a couple of days to reset as the Dodgers seek stability in the closer role.

Retirements, closer chaos, and streaming notes define August MLB update
sports14 days ago

Retirements, closer chaos, and streaming notes define August MLB update

Tim Anderson and Rob Refsnyder announced their retirements, setting a major tone for MLB news this week, while Devin Williams’ 15-day injured list stint opens the door for Kodai Senga to step into the Mets’ closer role. The piece also shares quick injury updates (Susac’s season-ending fracture, Perdomo’s knee issue), highlights notable performances (Kremer, Arenado, Gelof), and provides streaming pitcher recommendations for today and tomorrow, all within the Rotographs/ FanGraphs update.

Dodgers stumble through post-title slump as bullpen woes bite
sports17 days ago

Dodgers stumble through post-title slump as bullpen woes bite

After a title-winning season, the Dodgers have plunged into a seven-game skid, including Edwin Diaz’s blown save and lingering closer issues, while their offense struggles. Despite sitting atop the NL West, they’ve slipped to third in the league and face calls to re-evaluate the closer role as reinforcements like Tarik Skubal arrive and other aces prep to pitch in Dodger Stadium.

Dodgers’ Closer Edwin Díaz Faces Alarm Bells After Rocky Return
sports4 months ago

Dodgers’ Closer Edwin Díaz Faces Alarm Bells After Rocky Return

Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz returned from a nine‑day layoff at Coors Field and, with reduced fastball velocity and erratic command, failed to record an out in the eighth as Los Angeles lost 9‑6. Manager Dave Roberts called the outing a “tough evaluation,” with questions lingering about whether Díaz’s diminished velocity stems from rust, a lingering knee issue, or something more concerning—potentially signaling trouble for the Dodgers’ late‑inning plans if the dip persists.

Padres closer Mason Miller delivers video-game-level dominance, reshaping late-inning baseball
sports4 months ago

Padres closer Mason Miller delivers video-game-level dominance, reshaping late-inning baseball

Padres closer Mason Miller is putting up historically dominant numbers in 2026: after just 9.1 innings, he has allowed only one hit and one walk while striking out 23 of the 30 hitters he’s faced (a .034 opponents’ batting average and roughly 22 strikeouts per nine). His velocity (103+ mph) and slider look-alike have left hitters unable to catch up, a combination Pitching Ninja highlights as a near-unprecedented relief performance. Miller’s exceptional stretch extends from late 2025 into 2026, with ERA+ of 780 in his Padres tenure and a record pace that has even seasoned analysts questioning whether such dominance is survivable, though it has already made San Diego virtually unbeatable with late-inning leads.

Miller's WBC Final Status in Flux as USA Weighs Closer Duties
sports5 months ago

Miller's WBC Final Status in Flux as USA Weighs Closer Duties

Team USA closer Mason Miller’s availability for the World Baseball Classic final remains undecided as Padres manager Craig Stammen says his usage will be evaluated after outings. Miller, who has saved two USA games and struck out 10 in four innings, says he wants to pitch but must be smart; if he takes the mound Tuesday it would be his third appearance in five days. The final decision hinges on how he feels and performance, with Mark DeRosa managing the staff.