PLAYING TIME: Chicago teams switch closers

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Sale named CHW closer

With rookie erstwhile closer Héctor Santiago (LHP, CHW) having blown two of his last three save opportunities, CHW has shifted Chris Sale (LHP, CHW) from the starting rotation to the closer role. The switch allows CHW to keep dominant southpaw reliever Matt Thornton (LHP, CHW) and rookie Addison Reed (RHP, CHW) in setup roles, while also limiting Sale's workload.

Sale performed effectively in relief in 2011, notching 116 BPV and 2.90 xERA in 71 IP.  He was impressive as a starter in his brief rotation stint, posting PQS-DOMs in each of his five starts, with 29 K/8 BB in 32 IP, with a 109 BPV and  3.20 xERA. While changing roles will result in fewer innings, and Sale demonstrated an ability...

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