Joe

Nelson

If Ambiorix Buros is going to lose the closer’s role now, he’ll have to work even harder to give up runs. Nelson entered the day with a 1.11 ERA in 24 1/3 innings for the Royals.

Nelson hasn’t allowed a run in 9 1/3 innings since being recalled from the minors on July 18. We don’t expect the Royals to switch closers anytime soon, but if they do, Nelson would seem to be next in line for saves.

Nelson was the worst long-term bet of all of the Royals’ relievers, but it’s surprising he’s getting dropped after allowing just one run in 9 1/3 innings. He’ll be recalled the next time the Royals need bullpen help.

He struck out one and is now a perfect 3-for-3 in save chances. Nelson has trimmed his ERA to 2.70 and is a great option in any format now.

Nelson, who entered with a four-run lead, gave up a walk and three RBI doubles to get himself pulled. Burgos replaced him and allowed a game-tying triple before getting the final out of the inning. While it was Burgos who blew the save, Nelson did more to hurt his stock tonight. Still, he was pitching well enough before this that his job remains safe for now.

It was pretty interesting that Buddy Bell put Nelson into the closer’s role after the 31-year-old gave up five runs three appearances ago and then took a loss his last time out. He has been the Royals’ best reliever, but there’s little reason to think he’ll remain above average. He does need to be owned in most formats until he blows a couple of chances.

Nelson also converted his other save opportunity with a scoreless inning of work, so he’s already shown more promise than any other potential closer the club has thrown out this season. Nelson will remain the team’s closer until he pitches himself out of the role.

Nelson’s next save will be his first, but he is excited about the chance. “To me, mentally, it’s not going to change,” Nelson said. “I don’t think, ‘If you blow this, we’re going to lose,’ because I feel that way every inning that I pitch.” It remains to be seen if Bell will actually turn to Nelson for the next save--assuming the Royals get one--but he’s worth grabbing in AL-only leagues in the meantime.

Nelson has given up one run in 9 1/3 innings of relief for the Royals this season, but he’s not a very good bet to remain useful. He might return to Triple-A once Mike MacDougal comes off the DL.

It may have been a costly one, however. On the final play of the 11th, Nelson had tropuble finding the bag covering first on a double play and got his ankle stepped on by the baserunner, Alex Cora. He wouldn’t have remained in anyway, but his status for the next few days has to be in doubt. Ambiorix Burgos could close in his place.