Pirates CL Gonzalez to DL

August 29, 2006 @ 16:00:00

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Ryan Dodson

After developing a case of dead arm, the Pittsburgh Pirates decided to send closer Mike Gonzalez (elbow) in for an MRI Monday, Aug. 28. The MRI revealed no structural damage; however he had developed a case of tendonitis in his left elbow. Despite not having any structural damage, Gonzalez will have to wait several days before pitching, as the dye used in the procedure must be out of his body before he can throw. Once he can throw again, he will likely go a program to rebuild his arm strength. 

Gonzalez had been perfect in his save opportunities this season, going 24-for-24. He was the only pitcher remaining in the majors who had that many saves without blowing any. He also compiled a 3-4 record, with a 2.17 ERA. He had struck out 64 batters in 54 innings pitched, and only allowed 13 runs all season. Needless to say, he was one of the few bright spots on the Pirates roster this season.

What will the Pirates do to replace him? Manager Jim Tracy has said they will go with a closer by committee, which will mean relief pitchers Salomon Torres, Matt Capps, John Grabow and Damaso Marte could all get a shot. Marte has 31 career saves and had 11 in 2003. Capps is the only Pirates pitcher that has a save this season, while Torres saved three games in 2005 and has five in his career. He was also used in the ninth inning Monday, which wasn't a save opportunity, but could signal how Tracy is going to use him. However, it will more likely depend on match-ups and the situation, unless someone steps up.

If you had been relying on Gonzalez for the rest of the season, there are some other options available for you. Philadelphia Phillies relief pitchers Ryan Madson and Arthur Rhodes are both being used in the absence of regular closer Tom Gordon (shoulder). If you are pressed for closers, Rhodes might make the better option. He has three saves this season and 29 in his career. With the Phillies in a close playoff race, they could opt for experience in end-game situations, although again, this will probably be situation-dependent.

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Jose Valverde is someone else to keep an eye on. The Diamondbacks called him up earlier this month, and with 14 saves this season they could give him another shot at closing. Since coming back up, he has allowed just two runs in 10 innings pitched. 

Closers seem to be going down left, right and center right now, which has thinned the market a bit, but it also means pitchers who previously would have no value should be available. It isn't the best of situations, but Gonzalez going down shouldn't be enough to derail your fantasy season.

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Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.

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