Here’s another look at a few closing situations around the league and our weekly update on injured closers.  All stats are through Tuesday, May 16th.  

Los Angeles Dodgers

Danys Baez has lost his grip on the temporary closing gig in LA after a string of blown saves.  Manager Grady Little told the LA Times on Tuesday that Takashi Saito, who picked up a save on Monday, and Baez, who picked up a save Wednesday afternoon, will share the closing role until Eric Gagne returns (more on him below).  Joe Beimel could also earn an opportunity or two when the situation calls for a lefty reliever. 

Houston Astros

Brad Lidge has been temporarily removed from the closer role because of his early season struggles.  "He's still my closer," manager Phil Garner told the Houston Chronicle. "This is not (permanently) taking him out of the closer's role. What I want to try to do is give him a couple of outings here where he can work on some of the things he and (pitching coach) Jim Hickey have been working on and do it without thinking the one pitch may cost him a ballgame if he doesn't get it where he wants to.  It's extremely difficult to make adjustments, and even more difficult when you're pitching in the ninth inning."

Since that time Lidge has pitched two innings, striking out two without allowing a hit or a walk.  It shouldn’t take more than a few more solid outings to get him back in his closing role.  Until then Chad Qualls and Dan Wheeler will split the closing duties.

Cincinnati Reds

David Weathers remains the closer in Cincinnati for now but comments by manager Jerry Narron last week indicate a switch to Todd Coffey could be near.   Narron told the Cincinnati Post after Friday’s game that he considered using Coffey rather than Weathers to close out the game, but he decided against it.  "The only reason we didn't was, Weathers has been closing for us and Weathers has been doing a good job in that spot," Narron said. "If I use Coffey there and he gives it up, I would have kicked myself for not using David Weathers." 

It should go without saying that if you are looking for saves pick up Coffey.  His chance to take over closing duties could come the next time Weathers struggles.

Texas Rangers

Francisco Cordero has a 1.50 ERA in May and in six innings he has allowed four hits and one walk while striking out six.  The Rangers have privately discussed moving Cordero back into the closer role but manager Buck Showalter does not want to make any changes while the team, and current closer Akinori Otsuka, are doing well.  Otsuka had been pitching very well until blowing a save on Tuesday night in a loss to the Yankees.  Thus far he is 5-for-6 in save opportunities but he’ll need to bounce back in his next outing to avoid being replaced by Cordero.  If someone dropped Cordero in your league, now is the time to stash him on your bench.

Kansas City Royals

Ambiorix Burgos has struggled in three of his last four appearances and has likely lost his grip on the temporary closing gig in KC.  “I’m going to do something,” manager Buddy Bell said in Wednesday’s Kansas City Star. “He’s like any other kid. He’ll go through periods like this — where he has self-doubts and confidence issues. Maybe putting him in a different role will help him.”  Bell mentioned that he could go with a committee approach but he also indicated Elmer Dessens or Mike Wood could be an option to close out games.  Dessens has the best numbers in the KC pen so he should get the first opportunity.

Injuries

Mike MacDougal, KC (strained upper right arm) – MacDougal tested his strained right shoulder Saturday by throwing long toss from 90 feet for the first time.  He’s scheduled to start throwing from a mound in 10 days to two weeks. MacDougal is still not expected 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. 

Eric Gagne, LAD (right elbow) – Gagne, rehabbing from elbow surgery, will face hitters on Friday and is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment around the middle of next week.  He could be back in early June.  Until then, as mentioned above, Danys Baez and Takashi Saito will share the closing duties. 

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