Sunday, July 27, 2008

Not just Rodney

Reports have Fernando Rodney taking over the Tigers' closer role, but Jim Leyland wasn't ready to go with Rodney alone. Joel Zumaya is also on the shortlist to replace Todd Jones, who blew three saves in the month of July.

Zumaya left Sunday's win over the White Sox with a triceps injury, another setback after offseason shoulder surgery.
Leyland said he'd planned to "tinker with" new closer Fernando Rodney and Zumaya in the ninth inning, and the timing of his latest injury is difficult for Zumaya to take.

"I'm very frustrated now," said Zumaya, who had reconstructive surgery on the AC joint of his right shoulder nine months ago and returned from the disabled list less than six weeks ago.

"I've been through a lot. It gets pretty old being on the shelf."
Fantasy Impact: If he's out for only a short spell, expect Zumaya to rival Rodney for the bulk of the save opporutnities. Zumaya hits triple digits on the gun when he's right. He's got closer makeup while Rodney's struggled to save half of his career save chances.