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Dotel

Dotel was killed in a tragic accident in the Dominican Republic that has claimed the lives of nearly 100 people so far, including former big leaguer Tony Blanco, and Nelsy Cruz, the sister of former major-leaguer Nelson Cruz. Dotel played for a major-league record 13 teams during a 15-year career from 1999-2003. He was part of a combined no-hitter for the Astros on June 11, 2003. He recorded 109 saves, including a career-high 36 during the 2024 season, which he split between the Astros and Athletics. He won a World Series as a member of the Cardinals in 2011.played for a major-league record 13 teams during a 15-year career from 1999-2003. He was part of a combined no-hitter for the Astros on June 11, 2003. He recorded 109 saves, including a career-high 36 during the 2024 season which he split between the Astros and Athletics. He won a World Series as a member of the Cardinals in 2011.

The Astros will wait a few days before re-evaluating their setup man.

He will pitch with the injury and will remain the A’s closer. This does explain why Dotel has lost about three MPH on his fastball this month and why he has allowed runs in three of his past five outings.

It will be easier to acquire a closer in July than before the start of the year, but the Cubs may figure they can’t afford to wait that long. We don’t see the A’s parting with Dotel now, although any deal including Jason Dubois and either Felix Pie or Brian Dopirak would certainly have to be considered. Danys Baez could be easier for the Cubs to acquire, and while they haven’t shown any interest so far, Ugueth Urbina could be an option if he looks good this spring.

Dotel often struggles with a dead arm early in the season, so he adjusted his workouts accordingly. In order to stay healthy, Dotel hopes to be more of a one-inning closer this year, and it looks like manager Ken Macha will go along with the plan.

Dotel missed a fourth straight game Wednesday since straining a hip muscle Saturday night, but he said the injury has improved dramatically the last two days.

Dotel was around 91 the first two weeks. ''I feel almost 100 percent,’' he said. ''I never start that ready in April. I always start out slow, but I’ve been able to recover sooner. I got my fastball and control sooner than I expected. I usually don’t find it until mid-May.’' If the Astros can give him save opportunities, Dotel is ready to flourish.

''I don’t have the fastball yet, but I will have it,’' he said. ''I pretty much don’t have nothing. I don’t have my good fastball, but I’ll try to get ready. I’m throwing 93 to 94, no more than that. Usually my fastball is 97 to 98, but I won’t rush it.’' If Dotel gets off to a rough start, don’t worry too much about it. This shouldn’t be a long-term problem.

The Astros plan on being cautious with Dotel. They don’t want to risk losing him for the final week or the playoffs.

Additional setbacks are always a possibility, but Dotel could finally make his Yankees debut this week.