We’re back with another look at some closing situations around the league. All stats are through Monday, July 31st.
Milwaukee Brewers
Derrick Turnbow, getting another chance to reclaim his closing job, was unable to finish off a save for the sixth time in his last seven opportunities on Sunday and was bailed out by the newest member of the Milwaukee pen, Francisco Cordero. Manager Ned Yost named Cordero his closer on Monday and, since he’s been pitching well for the past couple of months, it is unlikely he’ll give the closing job back to Turnbow this season. "I don't like doing it," Yost told the Brewers’ team site on MLB.com. "But at this time of year, we've got to go with our best option, and right now, the way Frankie is going and the way Derrick is going, [Cordero] is our best option."
San Francisco Giants
Giants GM Brian Sabean has indicated that Armando Benitez has lost at least some share of his closing gig in San Francisco. "I think we're going to consider other options," Sabean told the Giants’ team site on MLB.com after Monday afternoon's trade deadline. "The general feeling is that. Not to say that he won't close games, but at the end of the day, it's going to be determined by (manager) Felipe (Alou). But it has been discussed from an organizational standpoint."
The Giants don’t have another dominant reliever in their pen right now so they will likely go to a committee. Brian Wilson, Vinnie Chulk, Steve Kline (to face lefties) and even Benitez are candidates for saves moving forward. The team has indicated Wilson could be their closer of the future but he’s struggled with his command this season. Chulk has probably pitched the best and might be the pitcher who ends up with the early opportunities. Tim Worrell could possibly be a factor if he comes back off the disabled list but the Giants have hinted he could be done for the season. Take a wait-and-see approach unless you have bench spots to burn on a few of these guys.
Houston Astros
Brad Lidge is struggling again and the Astros have to be thinking about making a change if it keeps up. Lidge has struggled with his command and the long ball this season and it’s led to a high ERA and too many blown saves. His K/9 ratio has been fine all season and his control has improved in the second half but he continues to give up untimely home runs. If the Astros have to make a switch Dan Wheeler would be the favorite for saves. He’s worth grabbing in mixed leagues if you are still scrounging for saves.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Jorge Julio has been pitching more like Jorge Julio of late (that’s a bad thing if you haven’t followed baseball the past couple of seasons) and, if he isn’t able to turn things around quickly, his closing job could be on the line. The control problems that have always dogged Julio are still there and the Diamondbacks are in the hunt for the NL West crown, so don’t expect them to wait too long for Julio to get back on track.
Brandon Lyon and Tony Pena are likely next in line for saves should Julio lose his job at some point. Lyon has past closing experience and has been solid this year so he could earn the first opportunity. Pena, who might be the team’s closer of the future if Jose Valverde doesn’t bounce back at Triple-A, has been very good since his promotion to the majors. He has a 6/1 K/BB ratio in 8.2 innings in the majors and a 38/7 ratio in 46.2 combined innings at Double and Triple-A. He’s worth grabbing in NL-only leagues if you have a bench spot to spare.
Injuries
There are no injuries to report this week as all current injured closers are out for the season.
Pen Names is your guide to bullpen situations around the majors. Questions for inclusion in future columns can be emailed to Pelowski@CREATiVESPORTS.com.