Detroit Tigers closer Fernando Rodney has only one blown save this year. He's recorded 23 saves, has almost a strikeout per inning pitched and at 3.86, his ERA, while not superb, is manageable. So, why is his job on the line?It could be the 18 walks he's issued since June 1st in only 28 innings of work. It could also be the five home runs he's given up since June 1st compared to only allowing one prior. But, most likely, it's the way he's started out the month of March. In five appearances Rodney has two saves and a win, but he's allowed four earned runs in only five innings. Patience is wearing thin in Detroit, and they have other options.
Brandon Lyon has had quite an opposite experience since June 1st. In 33 innings of work he's sporting a 0.82 ERA and has 27 strikeouts and ten walks. The walk rate is still a little high for a dominant closer, but everything else about Lyon screams that he's ready to take the helm when the Tigers finally grow tired of Rodney.
Lyon could be a nice speculative waiver wire pick up of trade right now. If he doesn't take over for Rodney, you're still going to get ERA and WHIP assistance while Lyon is tearing it up.
It was August 2nd when Scott Downs was placed on the disabled list again. Since then, Jason Frasor has been the acting closer, although the Blue Jays haven't been giving him many opportunities to act like a closer. Since July 8th, Frasor hasn't allowed an earned run. But in that time, he's only recorded two saves in 11 appearances. His ERA is perfect, his WHIP is 0.60, but Frasor just isn't going to be a top option for saves because his team doesn't give him enough opportunities.
Tuesday night was big for Bobby Jenks. For the first time since July 20th he recorded a save. He had a miserable July where batters hit .394 against him and he posted an 8.59 ERA. Some of that could have to do with his bout with kidney stones. The White Sox have a lot of viable options in their bullpen to replace Jenks if he were to fall out of favor. But, Ozzie Guillen has supported Jenks throughout, and it looks like Jenks is now healthy again and ready to put July behind him. He's still a good number two option amongst closers.
