Disturbing: Brandon Lyon activated, could regain closer’s role

No one wants this. Astros fans can't possibly want it. Houston's starting pitchers probably don't want it. Those of us who've owned Brandon Lyon in fantasy certainly don't want it. And Mark Melancon doesn't deserve it.

But Houston manager Brad Mills didn't ask for anyone's opinion. He's prepared to stumble forward with Lyon in the ninth inning. This from MLB.com's Brian McTaggart:

Manager Brad Mills said that Lyon will return to the closer's role, but not right away. Mark Melancon has been closing games since Lyon blew a save on May 4 in Cincinnati.

"Mark's done a good job for us all year..."

No, actually, he's done a spectacular job. Melancon has six saves, his ERA is 1.78, his WHIP is 1.12, and he's recorded 27 Ks in 30.1 innings. Since May 1, Melancon has struck out 17 batters and allowed just three walks.

OK, back to Mills...

"...and is going to continue to do a good job," Mills said. "He's got the stuff, and is a good pitcher. We want to be able to do things the right way, and doing them the right way is being able to have veteran guys at the end of the game that have success in doing that in the past, like Brandon has. But to put him back in that role right now ... I think we need to ease him back in."

So basically, regardless of whatever success Melancon may have had, you need an old person in the ninth. Experience. Guile. Steely determination. Terrible goatee. Three-year, $15 million deal. CLOSER'S MENTALITY!

Joe Sambito apparently isn't available, so Lyon gets the gig. Pick him up at your own risk, gamers. He's 4-for-8 on save opportunities this year. He allowed nine earned runs and 21 hits over 11.1 innings earlier this season, before hitting the DL with biceps and rotator cuff issues. And now he's back, easing his way into the ninth, and easing Melancon out.

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Photo via US Presswire

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