Closer Report: American League

 He has just five saves while blowing three, but also has four wins, 47 K in 39.1 innings, 2.52 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. He clearly has value.  Brad Ziegler continues to wait in the wings to regain his job, but there’s no guarantee that time will come. His WHIP is an ugly 1.59, which certainly is a big negative in him returning to the role. In June, he has posted a slightly more manageable WHIP of 1.35, but even that is not overly impressive.

Seattle Mariners - David Aardsma - Brandon Morrow has been shifted back to the rotation, giving Aardsma sole possession of the position. He has been great, with a 1.78 ERA and 1.22 WHIP, so it's not like his job was in jeopardy. He’s worth using in all formats at this point.

Tampa Bay Rays - J.P. Howell - Or is it?  He picked up the last save chance, on June 14, striking out the side against the Nationals. But is that really enough to claim the job as his own? The Rays continue to use a committee, with Randy Choate, Dan Wheeler, and others potentially seeing an opportunity to claim saves.

This is not the team to turn to if you are looking for a consistent source of saves, but if you are desperate, considering he has not allowed an earned run since May 23, with at least one strikeout in fourteen of his last fifteen outings, Howell is worth owning.

Texas Rangers - C.J. Wilson - He’s been solid, taking advantage of Frank Francisco’s arm woes, but his hold on the job will be a short one. Francisco is said to be ready to return in the near future, and having given up just one earned run in 19 appearances, the job is his when healthy. Wilson is worth stashing, as he will likely get the occasional save, he already has six on the season, but he is not going to be the full-time closer.

Toronto Blue Jays - Scott Downs - He continues to hold off B.J. Ryan, and he’s done so in lights out fashion. He hasn’t given up a run over his last six outings, and overall has a 2.05 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. Not impressive enough? How about a 27-to-four strikeout-to-walk ratio?

Ryan has been impressive in his own right, working 6.2 consecutive scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and one walk. He seems back on track after a rough start and if Downs falters he could easily step back into the role. That makes him worth stashing in deeper formats if you are in need of some saves.

What do you think?  Which American League closer is most likely to lose his job next?

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