Clippard named MLB's top relief pitcher for June
By Dan Kolko
The month of June treated Tyler Clippard pretty well.
The Nationals' new closer went 10-for-10 in save opportunities during June, holding opponents scoreless over 11 2/3 innings.
He solidified the back of the Nats' bullpen and found out that he'll more than likely remain Davey Johnson's closer even when Drew Storen returns from his rehab from elbow surgery.
Now, Clippard has been named the MLB Delivery Man of the Month for June. The award is given to the most outstanding relief pitcher during each month of the regular season, as voted on by a panel from Major League Baseball.
Not only did Clippard record a save in every opportunity he was given during June and not allow a single run, he also gave up just two hits and six walks, with 12 strikeouts in his 12 appearances.
He converted saves on three consecutive days against the Red Sox from June 8-10 and went six straight appearances from June 10-23 without allowing a hit.
Where would the Nationals be without Clippard right now? Given the injury to Storen and the issues with Brad Lidge and Henry Rodriguez - who opened the season as the Nationals' co-closers - it's probably fair to say they wouldn't currently hold the best record in the National League.
Now, Clippard has been named the MLB Delivery Man of the Month for June. The award is given to the most outstanding relief pitcher during each month of the regular season, as voted on by a panel from Major League Baseball.
Not only did Clippard record a save in every opportunity he was given during June and not allow a single run, he also gave up just two hits and six walks, with 12 strikeouts in his 12 appearances.
He converted saves on three consecutive days against the Red Sox from June 8-10 and went six straight appearances from June 10-23 without allowing a hit.
Where would the Nationals be without Clippard right now? Given the injury to Storen and the issues with Brad Lidge and Henry Rodriguez - who opened the season as the Nationals' co-closers - it's probably fair to say they wouldn't currently hold the best record in the National League.
LATEST ORIOLES NEWS
LATEST NATIONALS NEWS
About the author
By accepting you will be accessing a service provided by a third-party external to https://www.masnsports.com/