When we last met, we discussed the three teams most likely to switch closers before the end of the season, and two of the three teams have already experienced change. The Mets are going with Bobby Parnell over Jason Isringhausen as expected after the latter’s 300th career save, though Izzy may still pick up a rogue save or two here or there, presumably by dressing up as Michael Bolton dressed up as Jack Sparrow to see what lies in store.
In Toronto, an injury landed Jon Rauch on the DL and Frank Francisco back in the closing role. Rauch should return in the first half of September, where he would presumably regain closing duties despite a rough August. Unless GM whiz Alex Anthopoulos is a Bottom of the 9th reader and requests Casey Janssen be given a shot.
Brian Wilson was placed on the DL with right elbow inflammation, and he’s expected to be back August 31 or September 1. In the interim, Jeremy Affeldt could pick up a couple saves, as could Sergio Romo when he returns from the DL late next week. Neither player deserves must-add status though, as their time in the ninth is likely to be as quick as the Giants’ 2011 playoff run with no offense.
Huston Street has been sidelined with a biceps injury, hitting the DL on August 9. He looks ready to go out on assignment and should re-join the Rockies within the next few days. Rafael Betancourt has “filled in” as closer, earning a save the day Street landed on the DL but hadn’t received a save opportunity since then heading into Sunday action. Betancourt is worth holding on to for the next few days until we see a Street activation.
He’s not injured — at least, not that we know of — but Kevin Gregg could see himself demoted after another horrendous run that includes seven earned runs in two innings over his last four games. He failed to record an out in two of those four appearances, allowing six baserunners on August 14 against Detroit and four on Saturday against the Angels. Mike Gonzalez hasn’t allowed a run since July 18 and hasn’t even walked a batter this month. Jim Johnson has been pretty effective all season but less so this month. Either one would likely do better than Gregg in the role, though no Oriole reliever should be in a fantasy lineup right now.
