Friday, the Houston Astros placed closer Francisco Cordero on the Disabled List (source).
Astros’ Struggling Closer Placed On D.L.
Two weeks ago, the Astros acquired Cordero in a massive 10-player trade with the Toronto Blue Jays. The very next day, the Astros traded closer Brett Myers to the White Sox, and Cordero took over as the Astros' closer.
Which didn’t work out so well. When Cordero joined the Astros, he already sported a 5.77 ERA. So there wasn’t much reason to think he would thrive with his new club. But he’s done worse than not thrive. After a scoreless debut with the Astros, Cordero gave up 11 runs in his next five outings (covering four innings).
Whatever the cause of Cordero’s struggles this season, he’s now been placed on the D.L. with a bad toe. No word on a timetable for his return, but it’s hard to think he’ll be terribly missed.
Taking over as Astros closer? Wilton Lopez, now in his third straight season as one of the National League's better relief pitchers. Somehow Lopez has collected just one save in his career, but now he'll finally get a chance to protect ninth-inning leads. We'll see if his managers have been right about him.
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