You have to admire Miami Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen’s persistence I guess as he continued to run struggling closer Heath Bell out for save chances last week. Bell responded by converting all five save opportunities in 4 2/3 scoreless innings with six strikeouts. Bell has now converted 12 of 16 save chances for the season, but still holds a 6.65 ERA and 1.94 WHIP.
San Francisco Giants closer Santiago Casilla left last Friday’s game with a knee injury and has not pitched since, though the team said it is not looking to put him in the disabled list. In his absence, Sergio Romo picked up two saves over the weekend and would see the majority of save chances if Casilla were to miss an extended period of time.
The San Diego Padres activated closer Huston Street from the disabled list and Street is expected to return to the ninth inning role. Dale Thayer who had collected saves while Street was out of action will go back into a setup role. Given Street’s injury history and the fact the team will likely be looking to trade him come July, I would still hold on to Thayer if you have room on your bench.
Closer Watch List:
While he may not make a statement this season, relief pitcher Evan Marshall of the Arizona Diamondbacks is someone to watch if you are looking to reserve potential closers in a keeper or dynasty league. A 4th round pick in the 2011 draft, Marhsall currently has a 1.86 ERA at Double-A with 11 saves and 11 strikeouts in 19 1/3 innings.
American League Saves last week:
Jonathan Broxton – 3
Alfredo Aceves – 3
Matt Capps – 3
Addison Reed – 3
National League Saves last week:
Heath Bell – 5
Joel Hanrahan – 3
John Axford – 3
Craig Kimbrel – 3
