A near-top 10 closer for the season on the ESPN Fantasy Player Rater hit the disabled list Sunday with an intercostal strain in his side, opening up an opportunity for saves in the Oakland Athletics bullpen. Yes, lefty Sean Doolittle has done quite a bit in his breakout season, saving 20 games with a 2.28 ERA, 0.70 WHIP and ridiculous strikeout-to-walk rate (80-5!), but it wouldn't be a stretch to say we don't see him again the rest of the regular season. These oblique injuries generally take at least three or four weeks to heal and by then, who knows what's happening with the A's or likely replacement Luke Gregerson.

Gregerson, the former San Diego Padres setup man acquired prior to the season for Seth Smith, is a veteran right-hander with saves in five of his six big league seasons, and he's enjoying his own pretty special season statistically. Since I never believe a setup man is incapable of closing simply because he hasn't proved it before -- had Doolittle proved it? -- I see many saves coming Gregerson's direction. The A’s could also keep their setup alignment the same and opt for another pitcher, like lefty Eric O'Flaherty, to step in for saves, but I still expect Gregerson to get a look at times. Oakland has been coy about its new ninth-inning option thus far, and thanks to lefty Scott Kazmir getting pounded Sunday night by the Los Angeles Angels there was no save chance. But, I doubt Ryan Cook, O'Flaherty or anyone else find their way into regular saves. Gregerson is more than capable, so add him right away in all formats.

As for whether fantasy owners should simply release Doolittle