Downs To Keep Closer Role

In a move that is helpful to fantasy owners, if nothing else, Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi came out today and said that when B.J. Ryan returns from the DL, he will not take back the closer role. He basically said that Ryan is aware that with the team playing so well and with Scott Downs doing such a good job right now, that it's best if he serves as a setup man, at least for the immediate future. Translation: Scott Downs is the closer in Toronto unless he screws up.

The immediate effect of this is that Downs needs to be owned in every league now. The Blue Jays, even if they are playing over their heads at the moment, are still a pretty solid team that will provide save opportunities with frequency to their closer. And Downs, perhaps quietly, has been one of the best relievers in baseball since 2007; he posted ERA's of 2.17 and 1.78, respectively, over the last two seasons. And this year he's off to a wonderful start, with a 2.20 ERA and even better peripheral stats than what he's shown in the past...he's struck out 20 batters in 16 1/3 innings with just one walk. And 3 of the 4 earned runs Downs has allowed this season came in his last appearance, a non-save situation. Downs is already owned in 67% of Yahoo leagues, but I expect that number to shoot up once Ricciardi's announcement becomes widespread. I would view Downs as a solid #2 closer in mixed leagues.

As for Ryan, he could still take back the closer role if Downs struggles and if he recaptures his old form, but neither of those things are sure things at all. Ryan should still be owned in most AL-only formats, but if you were holding onto him in mixed leagues, feel free to cut bait.