Cordero removed from closer role: Toronto manager John Farrell has given Francisco Cordero the news that he will no longer be the team's closer, at least for the time being, reports Sportsnet.ca on Wednesday. Cordero is being replaced in the ninth-inning role by Casey Janssen. Cordero blew his second straight save chance Tuesday night as he allowed five earned runs over one-third of an inning. (Updated 05/09/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/23/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Cordero has converted just 2 of 5 saves chances since taking over for the injured Sergio Santos and has allowed at least one earned run in five of his last six appearances. He saw his ERA rise from 5.73 to 9.53 on Tuesday and has lost his job as closer in the process. Cordero could earn it back, but becomes a low-end Fantasy option for the time being. (Updated 05/09/2012).
05/16/2012 22:06 Jays rough up Kuroda, rout Yankees
Edwin Encarnacion hit a three-run homer, J.P. Arencibia added a two-run drive and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees 8-1 on Wednesday night. Jose Bautista and Kelly Johnson added solo home runs as the Blue Jays tagged Yankees right-hander Hiroki Kuroda for seven runs, matching a career-high.
05/16/2012 12:56 Fantasy Relief: Let's be Frank about Francisco
Another week, another round of closer news. Are you on a never ending hunt for saves? Our Michael Hurcomb touches on some of the more volatile situations in his latest edition of Fantasy Relief.
05/09/2012 14:30 Casey Janssen is Blue Jays' new closer
The Blue Jays have announced that Casey Janssen will serve as closer until Sergio Santos returns from injury.
05/09/2012 12:27 Dear Mr. Fantasy: New world order for closers
The relief pitching landscape sure has changed on a dime since opening day. Who are the right replacements to target? Our Scott White re-ranks his top closer options and answers your questions in Dear Mr. Fantasy.
05/09/2012 01:28 Inge's grand slam wins it for A's
Newcomer Brandon Inge hit a game-ending grand slam to cap a five-run ninth inning rally that led the Oakland Athletics to a 7-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night.
Francisco Cordero's signing with the Blue Jays this offseason shows just how differently front office types view the closer role these days. Not too long ago, a pitcher coming off a five-year span in which he averaged 38.8 saves would be a slam dunk for ninth-inning duties the following year, especially if he just had a bounce-back season in which he produced a 2.45 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. Still, when the Reds turned the page to Ryan Madson, Cordero couldn't find a team willing to install him into his most familiar role, so he settled for a setup role with the Blue Jays. The issue is he's 36, and though his base numbers looked good last year, his strikeout rate was the lowest of his career. He compensated with an improved walk rate, but the bottom line is he's more hittable now. And hittability is the last thing a team wants from its closer. Cordero could still find himself working the ninth inning if something goes wrong for newly acquired Sergio Santos, but Santos owners have no need to guard against that worst-case scenario outside of AL-only leagues. (Updated 2/1/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start