A's temporarily replacing Ryan Cook as closer

Grant Balfour was back as the A's closer -- at least for one night -- on Saturday, picking up the save against the White Sox. Ryan Cook came into the game in the seventh inning.

By C. Trent Rosecrans

Aug 12, 2012 at 12:01 am ET • 1 min read

A's rookie closer Ryan Cook has 12 saves. (US Presswire)

A's manager Bob Melvin said he's not taking the closer title away from Ryan Cook -- but he is giving save situations to Grant Balfour, who recorded the final three outs of the A's 9-7 victory over the White Sox for his eighth save of the season.

Before the game, Melvin said Cook's role change would be temporary -- "it could be one time, it could be a couple," he said, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Cook picked up the victory, throwing 1 1/3 scoreless innings Saturday, giving up two hits and striking out one.

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