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MLB: Five closers already on the hot seat in 2016

By Tim Haberin

Apr 20, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Detroit won the game 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Detroit won the game 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Santiago Casilla (San Francisco Giants)

Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports /

Santiago Casilla‘s numbers don’t look bad on the surface, but the closer has blown two of five save chances thus far for the San Francisco Giants. He blew six all of last year, when he collected a career-high 38 saves. And despite a 3.38 ERA, his FIP currently sits at 5.10.

Casilla has been an on-again, off-again closer for the Giants over the past several seasons, so the team likely wouldn’t flinch at moving the 35-year-old into a setup role. As a squad with division title aspirations in 2016, they won’t stick too long with an option they’re not comfortable with.

He’s probably safe for the immediate future, but if Casilla continues to struggle locking down saves, the Giants could turn to Hunter Strickland or lefty Josh Osich.

Next: Jason Grilli

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