From left field comes the news that Pirates closer Mike Gonzalez is going on the 15-day DL with left elbow tendinitis.
The obvious choice to fill-in, assuming the Pirates get another save opportunity before Gonzalez returns, is strike-throwing rookie Matt Capps.
In 67.1 innings, he has only walked 7 batters and struck out 51.
I wonder, though, if Pirates manager Jim tracy will stay with one closer or use a closer-of-the-week strategy or a pure closer committee.
In that case, look for lefty John Grabow to get one or two. Again, assuming the Pirates get another save opportunity before Gonzalez returns.
Either way, those Pittsburgh saves, assuming the Pirates get another save opportunity before Gonzalez returns, could mean the difference in finishes.