Florida's Matt Lindstrom(notes) can keep the ninth inning as long as he wants it, apparently.

Yesterday he allowed four consecutive two-out ninth inning hits to the O's, and he was eventually charged with three earned runs. Two days earlier he gave up three hits, one walk and two earned runs to the Yankees, picking up the shakiest of saves. Lindstrom's ERA is now 6.52 and his WHIP is a remarkable 1.90. Manny Acta would have demoted him twice already.

But not Fredi Gonzalez. Lindstrom managed to extend his substantial MLB lead in votes-of-confidence on Tuesday. (Lidge is still second, six votes behind). This from the Palm Beach Post:

"Something has to change," [said Lindstrom.]

But that will not be the closer, at least not now, according to manager Fredi Gonzalez.

"He's just got to learn how to get that third out," Gonzalez said."Sometimes that's the most difficult out to get the whole game.

"We'll keep running him out there and let him learn how to do that."

Leo Nunez(notes) is dealing with an ankle issue, though it's not considered serious. Dan Meyer(notes) has been the best of the Marlins' healthy relievers (2.10 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 29 Ks), but, well...who are we kidding?

Lindstrom has been granted tenure. They'll keep running him out there, without mercy for the big-WHIPped fantasy owners among us. You wanna buy low? Great. Make me an offer.

Update, 4:50 pm: OK, maybe "closer for life" was an overstatement. The Marlins have found the perfect place for Lindstrom: The DL.

Via the team's Web site:

The Marlins on Wednesday afternoon placed right-hander Matt Lindstrom on the 15-day disabled list with a right elbow sprain.

The hard-throwing right-hander is on a no-throw status for four weeks. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said the team would mix and match the closer spot. Leo Nunez, Dan Meyer and Brian Sanches(notes) are closer options.

... Nunez also is dealing with a sprained ankle, but he said on Wednesday that he is ready to pitch.

Leo Nunez is my preferred add; Meyer is Plan B. The 30-year-old Sanches doesn't seem like a credible threat (4.76 career ERA, 1.65 WHIP), and Renyel Pinto(notes) is awfully walky (15 BB in 24.1 IP). Kiko Calero(notes) (shoulder) could be a factor when he returns from the DL, but then Fredi couldn't use him every day.

Update No. 2, 8:40 pm: Nunez unavailable tonight due to the ankle. Pinto gets the eighth, walks the first batter he sees, escapes. Meyer warming for the ninth. 

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Photo via Getty Images 

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