We’re back with another look at some closing situations around the league.  All stats are through Monday, August 7th.   

Cleveland Indians

Well, it didn’t take long for Fausto Carmona to blow his first opportunity at being a Major League closer.  After blowing three saves the Indians have decided to move Carmona out of the closer role and back into lower pressure situations.  "I think with Fausto in general, what we'll do is we'll take a step back, let him catch his breath [and] use him more in a role that was somewhat typical to what he was doing before, but maybe even more so -- working that sixth-, seventh- and eighth-inning range -- and probably multiple innings, which will give him a chance to pitch a little bit more and work off what he's learned that he needs to do to help him be better in the late innings," manager Eric Wedge told the Indians’ team site on MLB.com.

The Indians haven’t named a new closer and will instead use both Rafael Betancourt and Jason Davis initially according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.  Both should be owned right now until the situation plays itself out.  If you can only choose one, go with Davis.  I suspect he could get the first opportunity and if he gets off to a good start he could become the primary option. 

San Francisco Giants

Armando Benitez received a save chance last Wednesday but had to be yanked after giving up a walk to the first batter he faced.  Manager Felipe Alou doesn’t have any great closing options in his pen so he’ll continue to give Benitez save chances but he’ll also have a very short leash.  Any of the other relievers on the Giant’s roster could be candidates for saves if Benitez has to be yanked again from a save chance, so it’s difficult to pinpoint a solid backup option (one really doesn’t exist on this team).  If forced to make a choice I’d take Vinnie Chulk.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Brian Meadows could be losing his closing job soon despite the fact that he’s done a good job as the Devil Rays’ late inning option.  Meadows doesn’t necessarily want to close according to the Tampa Tribune and it sounds like he’s looking forward to turning over the reins to Seth McClung.  "That was the plan the whole time, and that's fine," Meadows said. "Let him get his feet wet coming out of the pen a couple games. It's his. He can have it."

McClung has pitched well since returning from the minors having allowed one run in three innings while striking out three and walking none.  The walks are the key for McClung as he’s struggled with command as a starter.  The Rays sound like they could be ready to make a change in the next week or two.  Fantasy leaguers in need of saves shouldn’t wait.  Grab McClung now and hope for the best.
 
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.