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| Fernando Salas has been an anchor in the back-end of the St. Louis Cardinals beleaguered bullpen. - Photo courtesy of Getty Images |
The Cardinals may have overlooked Salas this spring, but they certainly are not overlooking him now.
Salas has been superb as the Cardinals new closer, filling in the gaping hole at the back end of the bullpen vacated by the ineffectiveness of veteran Ryan Franklin.
Salas closed out the Cardinals 5-4 come from behind victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday evening, notching his twelfth save of the season. Salas needed just 14 pitches, nine of which were strikes, to retire the Royals in order, including a strikeout of Royals slugger Bill Butler to end the game.
Saturday was just another example of why Salas has been so effective in the ninth inning role. The 26 year old from Huatabampo, Mexico is fearless on the hill in clutch situations, relentlessly pounding the strike zone with mid 90's fastballs and an assortment of curve balls and change-ups that effectively keep opponents honest and off balance.
Salas has converted 12 of his 13 save opportunities this season and has gained the confidence of manager Tony La Russa.
La Russa has even used Salas to record a six out save this season, something that is generally only utilized during the playoffs in today's game.
So while the Cardinals middle relievers continue to struggle and define roles, Salas has proven to be an anchor at the back-end of the bullpen.
Salas may have been over-looked this spring, but it is safe to say that Salas is more than just another diamond in the rough.
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