I’m back with another look at closing situations around the league.  All stats are through Monday, September 4th.   

Arizona Diamondbacks

Manager Bob Melvin said Sunday that Jose Valverde will take over closing duties from the struggling Jorge Julio.  Since returning to the majors Valverde has allowed two runs in 10 innings with a 13/2 K/BB ratio.  A strong end to the season should have Valverde opening 2007 as the team’s closer.

Injuries

Armando Benitez, SF (knees) – Benitez is expected to miss a few games because of chronic arthritis in his knees that has flared up.  “He doesn't feel like he has any power when he pushes off,'' trainer Stan Conte told the Mercury News.  Mike Stanton, who picked up a save on Sunday, will take over closing duties until Benitez can return.

Mike Gonzalez, PIT (elbow) – Gonzalez is expected to start a throwing program this week and could return before the season ends.  The team won’t rush him however and if he experiences any setbacks he could be shut down for the year.  Salomon Torres received the first save chance since Gonzalez went on the disabled list and should probably be considered the favorite for saves.  However, Manager Jim Tracy has said he will use a committee so Matt Capps, Damaso Marte or John Grabow could also see save chances while Gonzalez is out. 

Eddie Guardado, CIN (arm) – Guardado, out with a sore forearm, will undergo an MRI on Wednesday.   Things don’t seem to be getting any better for Guardado and it’s becoming increasingly more likely that he might not pitch again this season.  David Weathers, Scott Schoeneweis, Gary Majewski and Bill Bray could all be candidates for saves while Guardado is out.  Weathers is probably the player to own if you can only choose one of the group.

Jonathan Papelbon, BOS (shoulder) – Papelbon underwent an MRI on Tuesday but results were not available at the time of publishing.  The worst case scenarios are a tear of the rotator cuff or labrum.  If Papelbon is unable to pitch again this year Boston will go with Mike Timlin or Keith Foulke to close out games.

Mariano Rivera, NYY (sore elbow) – Rivera did not pitch at all this past weekend due to a strained muscle in his pitching elbow.  Manager Joe Torre said Rivera won’t pitch at all during the current series against the Royals.  Kyle Farnsworth, who just returned to action this weekend after missing time with a sore back, will fill in for as long as Rivera needs to rest.  Scott Proctor would likely be next in line for saves.

Huston Street, OAK (groin) – Street threw a side session on Monday and will throw another on Wednesday.  He could be activated on Friday if the A’s don’t send him on a rehab assignment.  "We're heading in the right direction,'' Street told the Mercury News. "It's my main drive leg. It's just one of those things; it'll happen when it happens. We've got a full month left.''  Justin Duchscherer is the favorite for saves while Street is out.

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