MLB: Fuentes out as closer for now

As Dave Righetti sits and stews…

Brian Fuentes could hear Sunday if he’s been chosen to his third straight All-Star Game, but he received less-positive news Saturday when Rockies manager Clint Hurdle told him he would be removed temporarily from the closer’s role.

Fuentes has blown his last four save chances—his last two on home runs to the Astros’ Carlos Lee and Mark Loretta. His struggles have accounted for half of the eight straight losses the team has suffered, all on this road trip.

“It’s like making a lineup adjustment, taking a guy out of the three-hole and putting him in five or some of the position players that I’ve actually sat down and not played,” Hurdle said. “He’s not going to be put away for awhile, but we’re not going to stick our heads in the sand.

“We’d prefer it be temporary. That’s what everybody’s wish is. That’s the reason why it’s taking place.”