St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa announced on Saturday that Jason Isringhausen will be removed from the closer role after blowing his fifth save of the season on Friday night. Ryan Franklin and Russ Springer are expected to share ninth inning duties, though Isringhausen could return to the role later this season.

Isringhausen had a 1-4 record, 11 saves and a 7.47 ERA in 18 appearances. LaRussa will likely play matchups in determining to use either Franklin or Springer in save situations.

Franklin is 1-1 with a 2.00 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 8 strikeouts in 18 innings this season. He has two career saves and comes off his best season as a pro when he posted a 3.04 ERA and 25 holds in 69 appearances with the Cardinals in 2007. He is a better bet to get early save opportunities, with Springer still working his way back from an elbow injury.

Rookie Kyle McClellan is a wild card for the job, should both these veterans falter. Neither 35-year old Franklin nor 39-year old Springer is an exciting fantasy option, but Franklin would be the recommendation for now. LaRussa wants experience at the back end of the bullpen, while McClellan will continue to work in a set-up role.

Ultimately, expect Isringhausen to re-discover the form that helped him save 30-plus games in seven of the previous eight seasons. If an antsy owner cuts ties with Isringhausen upon hearing this news, it’s a worthwhile gamble to stash the veteran on your bench and hope he pulls it together.

Wells To Miss 6-8 Weeks
The other big news coming from Saturday is that Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Vernon Wells will miss 6-to-8 weeks with a broken left wrist. This is the second straight season in which Wells will deal with a significant injury. In 2007, the first year of a 7-year, $116 million contract, Wells played through a torn labrum and ended his season in September with a .245 average, 16 home runs and 80 RBIs.

In 36 games this season, Wells was hitting .281 with 5 homers, 24 RBIs and 1 stolen base. Alex Rios is expected to shift from right field to center in his absence, while new acquisitions Kevin Mench and Brad Wilkerson split time in right.

Dustin Hockensmith is editor of ImaginaryDiamond.com. He can be contacted at dhockensmith[at]fantasysports101.net.