Closer Report: American League

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

He’s not a top option, no matter how well he’s been pitching. He’s tossed nine consecutive scoreless innings, but hasn’t had a save since June 20, thanks in part to the A’s struggles. Brad Ziegler has also gotten extremely hot, not allowing a run in his last six outings (6.2 innings), allowing four hits and one walk, including getting a six-out save. Could he make a push to reclaim the job?  Absolutely.  Bailey is far from a safe closer, and any little stumble could lead to a switch. If you are desperate for saves, Ziegler is certainly worth stashing, just in case.

Seattle Mariners—David Aardsma

He has been fantastic thus far, and with Brandon Morrow in the rotation, he is clearly the man in Seattle.  However, there are plenty of reasons to be skeptical that he can continue his success.  The biggest thing is his HR/9, currently sitting at 0.25, despite the fact that he’s seen his fly ball rate, which is at 43.1 percent for his career, jump all the way to 56.4 percent.  Something there has got to give, and when the balls start to carry over the fences, his sparkling 1.49 ERA is going to take a hit.  Yes, I would be using him, but if you could sell high, it wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Tampa Bay Rays—J.P. Howell

No, he hasn’t been dubbed the full-time closer, but he’s clearly performing like he deserves the job.  He hasn’t allowed an earned run since May 23, spanning 17.2 innings.  In fact, he has four wins and four saves during that span, while allowing just seven hits and eight walks.  He has saves in his last two appearances.  While Dan Wheeler or Randy Choate or some other miscellaneous reliever could get an opportunity here or there, I’d expect him to start seeing more and more chances.

Texas Rangers—Frank Francisco

They had been easing him back into the closer’s role since returning from the DL, and of course he got bombed last night to the tune of three earned runs on two hits and two walks to blow the save. Of course, he was rewarded with a victory in the end, softening the blow for fantasy owners, but having allowed five earned runs over his last two innings is certainly not a good sign. C.J. Wilson could continue to see a few opportunities, but unless Francisco really continues to struggle, I don’t see a permanent move being made.  Francisco should still be seen as a No. 2 option at this point.

Toronto Blue Jays—Jason Frasor

He’s a placeholder for Scott Downs, but I’m still a little bit surprised that it isn’t B.J. Ryan getting the opportunity.  Maybe they are trying to avoid any potential controversy.  Frasor has only picked up one save since Downs went down, so I certainly wouldn’t consider him a top option by any stretch.  Either way, Downs is the long-term answer, so Frasor is just a short-term fill-in for the Blue Jays and your fantasy roster.

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

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