Closer Situation

The Orioles had signed Mike Gonzalez, the former Braves closer, in hopes of solidifying a shaky back end of the bullpen this past offseason. On paper, it seemed like a great move, since Gonzalez had great numbers the past years in Atlanta, and even prior in Pittsburgh. Gonzalez has been anything but dominant so far in 2010 blowing multiple saves and having and ERA which hovered around 18.00. He has lost all command as well as confidence, while only being able to manage one save this year.

Recently, Dave Trembley informed the media that Gonzalez was placed on the DL with a strained left shoulder. The injury was realized during a bullpen warm-up in a game when we faced Tampa Bay. In a corresponding roster move, right-hander Kam Mickolio was summoned from Triple-A to take over. It is not yet known how long Gonzalez will be out, but for right now, you would have to think Mickolio is in the mix for action as the closer for the Orioles.