If You're Hardcore: Angels' backup closers
Angels manager Mike Scioscia announced Wednesday that Francisco Rodriguez would be on the shelf for a few days while his MRI results are evaluated. The 26-year-old closer has been bothered by the same ankle problem since last August, and this doesn't have the smell of something that's going to go away quietly anytime soon. With a possible DL stint awaiting Rodriguez, Scioscia claims that he'll adopt a closer-by-committee approach, with Scot Shields, Justin Speier and Darren Oliver getting the save opportunities.
Speier actually got the first chance. On Tuesday he struck out Cleveland's Casey Blake to end a bases-loaded threat in the eighth, then retired the first two batters in the ninth before a walk and a two-run homer to Travis Hafner for the blown save. Speier then finished Wednesday's game with a four-run lead. Shields gave up a run in the eighth.
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