On Days Givens Pitches, Should He Replace the Starter?

[mdbdotcom]

Givens is our best (only) candidate to be a regular closer, but the back of our bullpen may never deliver a save opportunity to him. Should Hyde just use him for an inning after the starter leaves a close game? At least he would get some high-leverage innings to pitch. Waiting for Wright, Castro and Bleier to set him up for a save could be futile.

We don't really need a closer this year, but Givens could be a nice trade piece if he can prove his value.

[OsFanSinceThe80s]

I think this is likely to happen during the season. It will depend on what inning the starter is pulled and matchups, but if Givens is the best reliever on the team there is no sense in saving him for the ninth inning.