Roy Halladay: Halladay was placed on the 15-Day DL retroactive to June 13th with a groin strain. He should return as soon as he is eligible on June 28th. Considering that he probably has the best skill set of any starting pitcher, 7.7 K/9, 1.1 BB/9, and a 56% GB%, any time that Halladay misses is not good for the Jays or fantasy owners, but both should be thankful that this injury does not appear to be serious.
Scott Downs: The Jays placed Downs on the DL with a sprained big toe, which will most likely keep him out longer than 15 days. With closer-worthy skills, 9.2 K/9, 1.3 BB/9, and a 51% GB%, he was doing a great job as the Blue Jays’ stopper, 1.98 ERA and 8 saves in 9 tries, so he will be missed. Considering what is behind him, he should have no trouble regaining the closer role when he returns.
Jason Frasor: Frasor or B.J. Ryan will get the first crack at replacing the injured Scott Downs as the Blue Jays closer. He has the skills to get the job done, 7.2 K/9 and a 1.1 BB/9, and his high 51% FB% is minimized by his pinpoint control. However, after saving 17 games in 19 tries as a rookie back in 2004, Frasor has not be able to close out games, 12 blown saves in 17 tries. Some pitchers are just not suited to perform in that kind of a pressure situations and Frasor has to prove that he can handle it.
BJ Ryan: With Scott Downs out, Ryan will battle Jason Frasor for saves in Toronto. Before going on the DL, Ryan was a disaster, 11.12 ERA, and was only slightly worse right when he came off, 6.35 ERA in May. However he has strung together some good outings this month, 0 ER in 5.2 innings. Keep an eye on his walks and K’s, as both are heading in the wrong direction this year, 6.4 BB/9 and 6.4 K/9. He has the experience and has succeeded in the closer role before, so if he can show some of his former skills, he will probably get the job.
Joe Saunders: Although not as good as last year, 17-7 with a 3.41 ERA, Saunders is again putting up good numbers, 7-4 with a 3.66 ERA, despite having mediocre skills, 2008/2009 K/9’s of 4.7/4.9, BB/9’s of 2.4/2.6, and GB%’s of 47%/46%. He will not always be able to rely on a depressed BHIP%, 2008/2009 #’s of .263/.262, as evidenced by his 2007 season, when he actually had better skills, 5.8 K/9, 2.9 BB/9, and a 45% GB%, but an inflated .329 BHIP% led to a 4.44 ERA. Today he goes against the Dodgers at home.
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