By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com


Neither of these pitchers are confirmed closers, but both of them are starting to more opportunities. Today, Leo Nunez and Randy Choate got big saves for their teams after both bullpens had minor meltdowns.

Matt Lindstrom walked two and gave up a hit, but was relieved by manager Fredi González and replaced by Leo Nunez. Nunez gave up the hit that plated the two runs that were charged to Lindstrom, but got the final out for the save. Clearly Lindstrom didn't have his command today and this is becoming a big issue for him and his ability to maintain consistency worries me and allot of other people. Last week I backed him up with Nunez and I'd recommend picking him up if you have a roster spot.

Since we last reported on Randy Choate, the Rays have only had two saves. Choate got the second one today. Dan Wheeler was brought in for the ninth inning of a 9-5 game, but quickly gave up two runs on three hits, and with two outs was relieved by Choate who recorded the final out and got the save. It was Choate's third save of the season and all three were less then an inning.

Joe Madden has confidence in Choate and has to continue to give him chances. I recommend at this point taking a chance on Choate. If he becomes the closer for the Rays, he will produce allot of saves.