Fuentes perfect for fourth save: A's closer Brian Fuentes entered Monday's series opener against the Angels in the ninth inning with a one-run lead. The left-hander needed just 11 pitches to retire the side in order and secure the 2-1 win. Fuentes collected his fourth save of the season while lowering his ERA to 3.18. (Updated 05/22/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Fuentes has converted all four of his save chances in May and also has a win. He has a 1.74 ERA in his last 10 appearances and should remain the closer for Oakland as long as he is effective. The 36-year-old should be viewed as a viable source of saves in deeper Fantasy formats at this point. (Updated 05/22/2012).
05/23/2012 14:54 Setting the Trends: Injuries creating unlikely scenarios
Dayan Viciedo, Sean Rodriguez and Felipe Paulino are drawing the attention of Fantasy owners these days. Our Nando Di Fino breaks down the players you are scooping up in his Setting the Trends.
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.
05/16/2012 12:32 Setting the Trends: Should you bother with Nava?
The Red Sox are sure running through their fair share of outfielders. Our Nando Di Fino touches on their latest candidate -- Daniel Nava -- and other popular pickups in his Setting the Trends.
05/12/2012 23:00 McCarthy fans 10, sparks A's over Tigers
Brandon McCarthy matched a career high with 10 strikeouts after missing his last start with a sore right shoulder, leading the Oakland Athletics past the Detroit Tigers 3-1 on Saturday night.
Brian Fuentes got off to a slow start last season but saw save chances early in the year due to injuries to Andrew Bailey. He would convert 12 of 15 saves over his first 33 appearances and posted a 4.55 ERA over that span. But after Bailey returned, he moved back to a setup role and did not see another save chance after June. He would post a 2.70 ERA over his final 34 appearances to finish the year with a 3.70 mark -- his highest since 2009. Early this spring, the left-hander was a candidate to take over as full-time closer with Bailey now in Boston, but he ultimately lost the job to Grant Balfour. While things could change as the season goes on, Fantasy owners would be wise to leave Fuentes for AL-only formats on Draft Day. (Updated 3/25/12)