Here’s another look at closing situations around the league and our weekly update on injured closers.  All stats are through Tuesday, May 9th.  

Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Manager Joe Maddon has named Tyler Walker his closer despite the right-hander’s less-than-stellar numbers since coming over from San Francisco.  Walker does have three saves thus far with Tampa but he also sports a 10.13 ERA and a 6/5 K/BB during that time and his overall numbers are even worse.  Still, he’s a warm body and he’s the undisputed closer for now, so he has to be owned.  Those of you in AL leagues and deep mixed leagues shouldn’t give up on Shawn Camp and Chad Orvella just yet, but right now, they should only be on your bench and not in your active lineup. 

Seattle Mariners

Eddie Guardado has lost his closing gig for the time being and has been replaced by J.J. Putz.  Manager Mike Hargrove indicated this is a temporary demotion until Guardado gets back on track.  Putz has already recorded two saves since the change of roles and it is possible he’ll remain the closer even if Guardado turns things around.  Rafael Soriano is still worth owning in AL or deep mixed leagues because he could pick up the occasional save if Putz is unavailable, but it looks like his chance to take over full-time closing duties in Seattle might not come until next season, if ever.

New York Mets

Will Carroll recently reported at BaseballProsepctus.com that Billy Wagner’s struggles this season are related to the torn tendon sheath in his left middle finger, an injury he suffered this spring.  When asked about the injury Wagner became agitated according to the New York Post.  "My finger does not hurt," he said. "I can [stink] without having an issue." 

Wagner’s surface numbers this season are not terrible (2.12 ERA, 7 saves) but he has blown three saves already and his K/BB ratio is the lowest it has been since 2000.  Wagner has also allowed three home runs in 17 innings after allowing only six all of last season.  Should Wagner continue to struggle and if he is indeed bothered by the finger injury, the Mets will have to consider a stint on the disabled list for him.  It would be wise to pick up Duaner Sanchez and Aaron Heilman if they are available in a NL-only or deep mixed league as either could see save opportunities if something did happen.

Injuries

Mike MacDougal, KC (strained upper right arm) – MacDougal threw on back-to-back days for the first time this past weekend.  He also threw from 75 feet for the first time after previously working from 60 feet.  The Royals expect MacDougal will miss at least six more weeks of action meaning he won’t be back until mid-to-late June.  Manager Buddy Bell stated on the Royals’ team site on MLB.com that MacDougal will get his closing job back when he returns from the disabled list.  Ambiorix Burgos continues to fill in as the closer but, thanks to a horrid Royals team, he is only seeing limited save opportunities.  Thus far he has five saves and an 18/7 K/BB in 14.2 innings.

Eric Gagne, LAD (right elbow) – Gagne, rehabbing from elbow surgery, will begin throwing from a mound this week and will head off to a rehab assignment soon according to manager Grady Little.  Gagne is still hoping to return from the disabled list before the end of May.  Danys Baez has struggled as of late so the Dodgers will be happy to see Gagne back. 

Pen Names is your guide to bullpen situations around the majors.  Questions for inclusion in future columns can be emailed to Pelowski@CREATiVESPORTS.com.