St. Louis Cardinals Closer Report

Motte is out as closer in St. Louis. LaRussa has gone with McClellan, Reyes, and Franklin to secure ball games recently. Motte has been moved to earlier innings to get more experience.

Get Chris Perez. Perez is on fire in the minors. He has healed from his sore shoulder and has pitched 4 innings with no runs and 4 strikeouts.

If and when the call up Perez they will likely give him a shot, but still mix in Franklin.

Franklin picks up save, uncertainty in St. Louis continues

Ryan Franklin picked up his first save of the season for St. Louis on Monday. Franklin is the 4th Cardinals pitcher to receive a save chance this season, joining Kyle McClellan, Dennys Reyes, and Jason Motte. The closer's role is still very much up for grabs in St. Louis, though Franklin could be the best bet for saves for now. He has the most experience of anyone on the St. Louis staff- he closed out games for the Cardinals for part of last season. Still, Franklin is far from a sure thing. He was inconsistent as the St. Louis closer last year, and ultimately lost the job. Franklin is worth adding for now, but be aware: the question of who's closing for St. Louis is far from answered.