MLB roundup: Tigers drop Valverde from closer role
Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland announced Sunday afternoon he will not use closer Jose Valverde in that role in, at least temporarily.
Leyland did not have a timetable for Valverde to return as closer, but said the pitcher still has the long-term job.
Valverde has a 27.00 ERA in 2 1/3 innings of relief during three postseason appearances. On Saturday night, he allowed four ninth-inning runs in allowing the New York Yankees to forge a 4-4 tie in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series. The Tigers won 6-4 in 12 innings.
In Game 4 of the AL Division Series, Valverde allowed three ninth-inning runs as the Oakland A's pulled out a 4-3 victory.
Valverde had 35 of 40 save opportunities during the regular season. He was 49 of 49 last season.
Leyland said there would be no closer in the interim and relievers would be called upon depending on the matchup. He said Valverde is expected to continue to contribute to the pitching staff.
--An MRI and CT scan on Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter confirmed what had been widely reported earlier, that Jeter had a fractured ankle and will be out for the rest of the postseason. He is scheduled to visit a foot and ankle specialist in North Carolina in the next few days.
--The Giants did not make any moves in their 25-man active roster for the National League Championship Series, which they announced hours before Sunday's Game 1 against the Cardinals.
Manager Bruce Bochy said he might drop a pitcher and add a position player, but they decided to stand pat.
