The A's have decided to take make a temporary closer change. A's manager Bob Melvin told the assembled media on Saturday that Ryan Cook's next couple appearances will not be in the ninth inning. Melvin had hinted the A's would look at all available options regarding the closer role in lieu of Cook's recent struggles, but had earlier maintained that it was Cook's job.
Cook recorded his 12th save on Wednesday tying Rollie Fingers for third most saves as a rookie in Oakland history. He allowed two runs before finishing the inning though. Cook has allowed nine runs in his last eight innings pitched. He has blown four saves in his last six outings, and his seven blown saves are the second highest mark in Major League Baseball.According to this chart by Bloomberg Sports, Cook's numbers are declining steadily by the month. The A's could go with a committee approach using right-handed pitcher Grant Balfour and left-handed pitcher Sean Doolittle, depending on the hitters due up in a given save situation.
Balfour was the team's closer on Opening Day and lost his job to Brian Fuentes, who lost his job to Cook. Balfour's last save came on May 5. He ranks fifth in the American League with a .173 opponents batting average, and his 53 innings pitched rank seventh in the league. Balfour has seven saves this season, and 17 in his career. He appears to be the A's best option in the closer role, aside from Cook. Doolittle started his career on a 13 13-inning scoreless streak, but has allowed seven runs in his previous seven innings pitched. He has 39 strikeouts in 26 13 innings pitched. He got his first career save July 21 against the Yankees.