Lyon could win back closer's job: With the departure of ex-closer Mark Melancon to the Red Sox in a trade on Wednesday, Brandon Lyon could reclaim the Astros' closer job next season. MLB.com cites Lyon, along with Henry Sosa and David Carpenter, as an option to replace Melancon in the ninth-inning role. Lyon had been the Astros' closer to start off the 2011 season, but his season ended when he had surgery to repair a detachment of his right biceps tendon in June. (Updated 12/14/2011)
Injury Report
Bicep - Questionable for start of spring training (Updated - 1/5/12)
Fantasy Analysis
Lyon had been ineffective prior to his surgery, but his injury likely played a role in his poor performance. Then again, Lyon hadn't been one of the better Fantasy relief options in prior stints as a closer, even though he had been healthy. At best, Lyon will be an option for owners in deeper mixed leagues and NL-only formats, and that is only if he assumes the closer's role. (Updated 12/14/2011).
06/15/2011 18:24 Astros' Lyon placed on DL again with tendinitis
Houston Astros reliever Brandon Lyon has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his right biceps less than a week after returning from his first trip to the DL.
06/11/2011 22:46 McCann HR in 10th powers Braves past Astros
Brian McCann hit a three-run homer in the 10th inning, lifting the Atlanta Braves to their fifth straight win, 6-3 over the Houston Astros.
06/09/2011 06:22 Dear Mr. Fantasy: Why create complications?
Some owners can't help but overthink every decision. Trades, roster decisions and waiver claims are only as complicated as you make them. Scott White touches on that and answers your questions in Dear Mr. Fantasy.
Brandon Lyon started the 2011 campaign as the closer in Houston, but after some early season struggles and a serious injury, his season quickly got derailed. He blew his first save of the year and posted a 7.15 ERA over his first 15 appearances before going down with a biceps injury. He would return mid-June, in the setup role, but allowed eight earned runs in two innings pitched before undergoing surgery on his biceps injury. With Mark Melancon, who served as closer while Lyon was out, now in Boston, the right-hander will compete during spring training with Henry Sosa and David Carpenter for the ninth-inning job in 2012. Lyon has proven to be a serviceable closer in the past and has the upper hand at winning the job as long as he can come back strong from his surgery. Consider him a viable option in deeper mixed leagues if he is the closer in Houston but as a middle reliever, Lyon will mainly have value in NL-only formats. (Updated 1/9/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start