By Pedro Heizer
Miami Marlins $27 Million closer Heath Bell has been temporarily removed as the closer for the Marlins due to his recent struggles.
Bell, who blew his fourth save of the season on May 4, will be used earlier in the games until he can get back in rhythm, “Right now, we are going through a tough time,” Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen said. “It happens to the best of them. We are going to move him down for maybe a few days. It’s not like we are removing him from the job. … I made it very clear, it’s not a punishment.”
Bell understands his demotion and has said he’s not getting the job done, “It’s not like I am hurt or anything. But I have to figure this out and get better. I owe that to everyone in here.”
The three-time all-star is 0-3 with an 11.42 ERA in 11 games with his new ballclub so far this season and has allowed 15 hits in 8 2/3 with 10 walks and only six strikeouts.
With the Padres from 2009-11, Bell recorded 132 saves, the most in the Major Leagues. Last year, he converted 43 of 48 chances. So far this season he has blown four of seven opportunities.
Taking over the closer role for now is 25-year old Steve Cishek who is 4-0 with a 0.63 ERA in 13 games this season for the Marlins.
Cishek has struck out 15 while allowing just seven hits in 14 1/3 innings. Cishek has three career saves.
Cishek has the makings of being a closer for the long term, “This kid can be a closer very soon,” Guillen said of the 25-year-old Cishek.
Although Cishek has the makings of a closer, Guillen is not ready to throw in the towel on a seasoned, all-star caliber closer like Heath Bell, whose 132 saves for the Padres the past three seasons led the majors.
“I have the faith that he will come up out of this and he will be back to what he is,” Guillen said. “I don’t think he’s that far away. This guy has been the best closer in the game for the last three years, numbers wise.”
Every athlete has struggles, just look at Albert Pujols. Heath Bell being demoted will be a great opportunity for the Marlins. Not only will they let Steve Cishek get some Major League experience in a closer roll, which can help the club in the long run, but Heath Bell will work harder than everyone else to prove to not only his teammates but the fans that he is worth every single penny of that three-year $27 Million deal he signed this offseason.