Top Backup Closers

*Rankings based on their potential to get the closer's job, the value of their team's closer job, and their overall 2010 performance.

1. Fernando Rodney - Los Angeles Angels

2. Tyler Clippard - Washington Nationals

3. Chris Perez - Cleveland Indians

4. Daniel Bard - Boston Red Sox

5. Alfredo Simon - Baltimore Orioles

6. Mike Adams - San Diego Padres

7. Joba Chamberlain - New York Yankees

8. Evan Meek - Pittsburgh Pirates

9. Grant Balfour - Tampa Bay Rays

10. Matt Thornton - Chicago White Sox

Closer Injury Updates

Right shoulder inflammation: 15-day DL
Street is in rehab pitching in AA Tulsa. Street is looking in June and then likely will be eased back in.

Mike Gonzales - Orioles

Strained left shoulder: 60-day DL
He should go on a rehab assignment May 24 and could return two to three weeks after that. With Simon pitching well there will be no hurry, but he should get a chance to get his job back and is worth trying to hold on to at this point.

Ryan Madson - Phillies

Broken Toe: 60-day DL
Madson will have surgery on his right toe and have a pin inserted into it. He will be out past the All-Star break and is not worth keeping unless you have room on the DL.