Atlanta closer situation

[garretterik]

I noticed Acosta pitched the fifth and sixth today for the win. Now there is talk of both Soriano and Smoltz coming back next week. Is Smoltz still supposed to close as soon as he is healthy? And if that is the case, then who will be the most likely to replace him if he falls Acosta or Soriano? (I own both Acosta and Soriano and have bench space for one once Soriano comes off the DL).

[jcook3127]

There's been nothing officially announced as far as their situation goes...but here is what we do know..

Smoltz is not going to start upon returning....

That said...Smoltz is not going to be utilized by the Atlanta Braves as a Middle Relief Pitcher

So...I would look for Smoltz to be the full time closer in Atlanta and take the hill in that situation any time his arm dictates it..

If for some reason Smoltz got hurt again, I would guess Soriano would get the saves and Acosta would remain in middle relief..

[siQ_innovation]

Smoltz is going to come back as the closer and soriano is going to set up for him. I don't think Smoltz will re-injure himself, he's never really had a bad history with injuries.

[tmlfan4ever]

Still not bad for acosta owners who got 2ip, 2k and a win!

[One-Hitter]

Don't forget about Mike Gonzalez, he'll be in the set-up mix as well and probably some save ops as well down the line. should be about a week or so when he comes back, let's hope he comes back strong!

[WaCougMBS]

Still not bad for acosta owners who got 2ip, 2k and a win!

Yeah, I'll take it! I think he is worth holding onto since Smoltz and Soriano are both good for at least one more trip to the DL each...

[byfrcp]

With everyone healthy Acosta is 5th in line for saves after Smoltz, Soriano, Gonzalez, and Moylan. He won't have much value at that point.

[devastor]

From rotoworld:
John Smoltz's (shoulder) return timetable has been delayed by flu-like symptoms.

Smoltz remained in Atlanta rather than travel with the team Monday and manager Bobby Cox said that he may be asked to make another minor league rehab appearance before coming off the disabled list.

[Sp_Da_Man]

It will be interesting to see how it plays out. If the starter can go five innings & turn it over to the pen they'll be set..

6th-7th Acosta/Boyer/Gonzalez
8th Soriano
9th Smoltz

That's a tough task to come back against.

[stickkeys108]

I dropped Acosta for Ryan Franklin two weeks ago.

I'm also a Smoltz owner.

That being said, there's a guy in my league who seems to think that Smoltz will eventually be turned into a starter by season's end. Thus he picked up Soriano.

I don't buy it though..........

It's all Smoltz.....