MacDougal Strikes out Side for Save

Well, that didn't take long.

Just yesterday, we reported that the Royals' interim manager Bob Schaefer was considering using Mike MacDougal as his closer. Today, with a 7-4 lead, MacDougal got the call, and struck out the side for his second save. No word on whether he's been officially tabbed as closer, or whether he could potentially keep the role after Jeremy Affeldt returns (seriously, Royals pitching is a mess right now...), but we'll keep you posted.

IN OTHER NEWS

Angels' closer K-Rod is dinged up with a mild forearm strain, and Scott Shields has vultured 4 saves already, which would actually lead the Royals. By 2. K-Rod may return this weekend.

Brandon Lyon is on the DL, and Brian Bruney is closing in Arizona. Lyon's injury isn't related to his TJ surgery, so he'll probably return as soon as he's eligible, or shortly thereafter.

Joe Borowski pitched two scoreless at AAA Iowa, and will presumably join the Cubs immediately. Ryan Dempster will probably continue to close games in the short term, but odds are that Borowski will be pitching in the ninth before too long.

And most importantly, Eric Gagne is back, and looks like he's fully recovered.