Clippard struck out a pair en route to a four-out save Wednesday against the Rockies. Despite the extended outing, Clippard needed just 18 pitches to do the deed. Bob Melvin hasn't been afraid to turn to him in a tight spot, as three of Clippard's last four saves have been of the four- or five-out variety. He's got a stranglehold on the Oakland closing job for (at the very least) most of what remains of this season, with Sean Doolittle expected out until August at best due to a shoulder injury.