Akinori Otsuka (RP), TEX

News: Otsuka recorded his first save of the season in the Rangers 2-0 win over Boston in Texas' home opener.

Views: Until Eric Gagne returns, Otuska will get all of the save opportunites for Texas. After Manny Ramirez singled to start the 9th, Otsuka got out of the inning with no problems. Otsuka is proven as a closer, garnering 32 saves for the Rangers in 2006, so he is no stranger to the role. That being said, the job is Gagne's as soon as he returns, although Otuska will still be valuable in leagues that count holds.

Posted by Michael Rauch: Apr 6, 07 at 4:16 PM

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Comments

DOH!!! on 04/06/2007 05:16 pm

What if Otsuka is dominant while he's closing? Would the Rangers manager still put Gagne at the closer position when he returns? I would think if Otsuka is dominant at closing that he should be the closer...

EvilEmpire on 04/06/2007 05:55 pm

I agree. Not sure it will be an issue. Gagne is done.

RogueWarrior on 04/06/2007 06:08 pm

DOH!!! wrote:

As of now, when Gagne returns, he is the closer. But, the Rangers say he will not pitch three consecutive days if the need should arise. They are going to be careful with him, so Otsuka should still get a few opps even after Gagne returns.