Matt Lindstrom Shouldn't Count on Closing Games

The Marlins activated Matt Lindstrom from the disabled list prior to Saturday night's game between the Marlins and the Cubs.

This gives Fredi Gonzalez a dilemma on how he is going to use Lindstrom. Right now, Gonzalez is going to use Lindstrom for several middle-relief appearances, just so he can ease his way back to work.

With that said, Gonzalez will eventually have to make a decision on who is going to be the closer for the final two months of the season.

Gonzalez has to ask himself this question: Why ruin a good thing with Leo Nunez doing well as a closer?

It's unfair for Lindstrom to lose his job because of an injury, but when is sports ever fair? Sports has always been and always will be about who produces.

Nunez has been great as a closer since Gonzalez started to use him more in the last few weeks so this makes sense for Nunez to continue at that role even with Lindstrom back.

Relegating Lindstorm back as closer at this point is risky.

The Marlins got a sure thing in the ninth inning with Nunez. Nunez strikes out hitters with his strong command and control, and he puts the Marlins in ease by having a quick ninth inning every game.

No one can say the same thing with Lindstrom at all. Often times, Lindstrom is wild, and he always makes it interesting by putting several men on base in the ninth inning.

Lindstrom converted 14 out of 16 saves this year so he has that going for him, but with his lack of control, it is not wise for him to replace Nunez.

As much as we criticize Gonzalez for not giving relievers set roles, this is one time we favor him using Lindstrom when he feels it's right to use him. Maybe Lindstrom can be used one night for the seventh inning or maybe he can get an out or two in the eighth inning.

In that regard, Lindstrom has that value, and it's not a bad thing to actually use him for an out or two late in the ballgame. He could flourish at that role.

A playoff team needs a sure thing with their closers, and right now, Nunez is that guy.

Gonzalez's choice for the ninth inning should be an easy one.

Gonzalez may be saying the right things about Lindstrom, but he is also smart enough to know what makes him win games.

Look for Nunez to be the closer for this season.