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April 9, 2007

Warwick's Dan Wheeler named Astros closer

One week into the season, the Houston Astros have a new closer.

Brad Lidge was demoted Monday in favor of Dan Wheeler, a move made one day after Lidge gave up five runs in two-third of an inning against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Lidge has saved 29 or more games in each of the last three seasons for Houston but had a 16.20 ERA and a blown save entering Monday's game against the Chicago Cubs. The Astros started the season with five losses in six games.

“I wrestled with this all of yesterday,” manager Phil Garner said. “I feel that I have to make this move for the benefit of the team. In the situation that we are in right now, we can't afford to lose any more ballgames late.”

Lidge was 1-5 with a 5.28 ERA and 32 saves in 38 chances last year.

“It was surprising, but not totally unjustified,” he said. “I understand that it's about results. Right now, my first two outings haven't been there.”

Lidge will be used in middle relief, and Garner left open the possibility Lidge could regain his job as closer.

“I don't know how much time this will take,” Garner said. “It may be that he throws three or four times and gets thrust back into the closing role.”

Wheeler is 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in three games.

--AP

Posted by Corey Bourassa  at 4:24 PM to Pro Baseball | Permalink

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