Los Angeles Dodgers closer Takashi Saito is set to have an MRI on his ailing elbow Monday, and the first impression of his injury is not good. The Los Angeles Times mentioned the possibility of Saito’s career being over, which may be a kneejerk first reaction, but Saito himself didn’t sound optimistic.

The 38-year old described it as “a sudden tightness” in the elbow, and he was forced to exit in the ninth inning of Saturday night’s loss to the Marlins with a 2-2 count on Wes Helms.

The Times story went on to say:

Saito, who has 17 saves and a 2.18 earned-run average, has said that because of his age and injury-plagued history in Japan, he has treated every start as if it could be his last. He said he didn’t want Saturday to mark his end because “I didn’t help the team win.”

Setup man Jonathan Broxton would be an excellent speculative pickup in fantasy leagues because it sounds like a trip to the 15-day disabled list would be a best case scenario for Saito. With a chance that Saito could be done for the year and Broxton’s potential to dominate, this could be a real momentum changer in fantasy leagues.

The question remains just how many save opportunities Saito or Broxton would get in the second half of the year. Saito was excellent in going 3-3 with a 2.18 ERA and 17 saves in 39 appearances. Broxton could be just as dominant in the ninth inning, but he may not make a big difference in the category that matters most here - saves.

This is a classic situation where you should take what your roster gives you. If there’s an apparent weak link - a middle reliever, struggling offensive player or spot starter - you would do well to land Broxton. If it takes a difficult decision and you’re not strapped for saves anyway, it could be best to let the situation go.

Along the same lines, also consider how much or how little Broxton could help a rival manager. If there is a way to prevent a key competitor from getting a potential boost in saves, there is plenty of incentive to do so.

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