Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Well, I totally swung and missed last week.  Of all the closing candidates I listed out of the Tampa pen not one was named Brian Meadows. As those of you who follow these things closely know, Meadows picked up two saves last week and was named the temporary closer in Tampa while Tyler Walker misses time with an injury (more on him below). 

Meadows isn’t your typical closer as he lacks the stuff to put hitters away but he’ll keep the job as long as he’s effective.  Should he hit a rough stretch the Rays have two new bullpen candidates that are a little more interesting.  The first is Edwin Jackson who manager Joe Maddon believes has the stuff to close out ballgames. 

The Rays moved Jackson to the pen recently because of his inconsistencies as a starter.  His 97 mph fastball is typical of the type of stuff you like to see in a late innings reliever - the type of stuff that can overpower batters and rack up strikeouts.  Maddon’s comments indicate that the Rays would like to give Jackson a look in the closer role this season if he pitches up to his ability.  "I want him to focus on this entirely, and we'll see where it takes us," Maddon said. "It's not like we're going to jump on and off. We're going to give it a chance to work. We think it can."

The second option to close out games is Seth McClung.  McClung was optioned to Triple-A last week where the Rays are using him as a closer.  He’s expected to be recalled once the team feels he’s adapted to his new role.  Keep an eye on this situation as Jackson or McClung could become solid closing options for Tampa in the second half of the season.  AL only leaguers should have both stashed away while those in mixed leagues should watch this situation closely.

San Francisco Giants

Armando Benitez has a sprained ligament in his right elbow that he believes was caused by warming up multiple times in the bullpen.  An MRI exam showed inflammation. Benitez will throw Tuesday and believes he’ll avoid the disabled list after having the weekend to rest.  "It's not terrible, but I don't want to mess it up," Benitez said. "Just a couple of days. It'll be good. I'll be back."

Manager Felipe Alou said that Jeremy Accardo will get a chance to close games if Benitez has to miss any time.  Accardo has posted a 32/8 K/BB ratio and no home runs in 30.2 innings with the Giants this season.  He’s displaying the stuff necessary to be a closing option and should definitely be picked up in NL only leagues.  Mixed leaguers in need of saves or with an open bench or middle relief spot should give Accardo a look as well.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves moved Jorge Sosa to the pen last week after his struggles as a starter could no longer be tolerated.  He immediately moved into a late inning role and picked up a save on Sunday.  The Braves lack quality relievers so Sosa will get a chance to establish himself as the team’s closer.   Don’t drop Ken Ray or Macay McBride yet in NL only leagues as Sosa’s far from a sure thing to capitalize on his new opportunity. 

Injuries

Eric Gagne, LA (elbow) – According to the latest available reports, the Dodgers do not expect Gagne to return before the All-Star break and he could be out several weeks after that.  The nerve pain that forced Gagne back onto the disabled list two weeks ago has subsided only in the last two days.  If Gagne remains pain-free, he could start a throwing program this weekend according to trainer Stan Johnston.  Takashi Saito has assumed closing duties in LA and should keep the job until Gagne returns.

Mike MacDougal, KC (strained upper right arm) – MacDougal made his fourth rehab appearance on Monday and should still be on pace to around the first of July.  He’s expected to resume closing upon his return to the majors.

Chris Reitsma, ATL (arm, hand) – There’s been no update on Reitsma’s status in the last week.  He’s out until the inflammation that was causing his hand to go numb dies down. 

Tyler Walker, TB (elbow) – Walker threw for the first time last week since being placed on the disabled list with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament.  He reported no problems after the session.  The Devils Rays think he could return to action by the end of their 6-game road trip. 

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