Tag

Closer

All articles tagged with #closer

Dodgers’ Closer Edwin Díaz Faces Alarm Bells After Rocky Return
sports1 month 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
sports1 month 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
sports2 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.

"Josh Hader Named Houston Astros Closer, Ryan Pressly Shifts to Setup Role"
sports2 years ago

"Josh Hader Named Houston Astros Closer, Ryan Pressly Shifts to Setup Role"

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.

"Pirates Secure Aroldis Chapman with One-Year, $10.5 Million Deal"
sports2 years ago

"Pirates Secure Aroldis Chapman with One-Year, $10.5 Million Deal"

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.

Orioles Set to Sign Craig Kimbrel in Imminent Deal
sports2 years ago

Orioles Set to Sign Craig Kimbrel in Imminent Deal

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.