Raul Luna pulled from closing duties.(43.18)

[niles08]

Omaha once again has announced that Raul Luna has been removed from the closer role moving forward. The Cyclones did this last season after Luna blew 10 out of 28 chances to begin the year and Luna settled into a middle relief role afterwards.

It appears that is where the team is heading again as they have announced that the newest member of the bullpen Patrick Whitlock will be taking over as the role of a “stopper”. Whitlock, who was acquired this past off-season, will come in as early as the 7th inning and pitch the remainder of the game. Norio Hayashi and Tony Medine will be available if Whitlock needs a rest day. Medine and Hayashi acted in the clubs "stopper" role last season along with Thomas Rodriguez who has been used in long relief this year so far.

During the teams’ 0-7 stretch to begin the season, Raul Luna was credited with 3 of the club's losses, after giving up a total of 5 runs in 2 innings of work.

[RonCo]

Whitlock looks good.