PLAYING TIME: Yet more closer news: Balfour, Francisco
May 13 2012
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Fuentes replaces Balfour as OAK closer
After Brian Fuentes (LHP, OAK) notched his second save of the season May 12, manager Bob Melvin confirmed that Fuentes had bypassed Grant Balfour (RHP, OAK) as the team's primary ninth-inning option. While Balfour had blown only two saves on the season, he had also been scored on in three of his last five outings and four of his last seven. Perhaps the largest contributor to that lack of success has been Balfour's Dom, which, after slowly declining the last few seasons has taken a more dramatic dip so far this season down to 6.1, which is less than ideal for a stopper. Balfour had been yielding fewer fly balls, but just as many were ending up as line drives than as grounders,...
Almost!
You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
More From PT Today
Samuel Basallo does not have Adley Rutschman to contend with, but still may not take over the full-time catching gig. Plus Pratt reinstated in MIL, N. Marte sent down for Reds, and more.
Aug 20 2026 8:46am
Aug 20 2026 8:46am
With Edwin Díaz headed to the IL, bullpen roles are shifting again in LA. Plus Mason Montgomery gained traction in Pittsburgh, Goodman to the IL in COL, and more.
Aug 19 2026 9:03am
Aug 19 2026 9:03am
Oneil Cruz is back in Pittsburgh; as are Jordan Lawlar and Justin Martinez in Arizona. Dansby Swanson, Edward Cabrera, and Austin Martin are going in the opposite direction. And much more...
Aug 18 2026 7:44am
Aug 18 2026 7:44am
Carlos Cortes (pictured) is among the players that will likely get a PT boost as a result of Tyler Soderstrom's injury. Plus Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Dansby Swanson head to the IL.
Aug 17 2026 8:26am
Aug 17 2026 8:26am
Byron Buxton was activated off the IL; Colt Emerson heads to the same; Joshua Báez finally gets the call, and more.
Aug 15 2026 9:15am
Aug 15 2026 9:15am
