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On-Base Perception

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Jose Valverde still Tigers' closer - just not Sunday

Jose Valverde #46 of the Detroit Tigers sits

Photo credit: Getty Images

Jose Valverde is still the Detroit Tigers’ closer. He just won’t be their closer Sunday.

That was what manager Jim Leyland told his embattled relief pitcher on Sunday, the day after he blew a four-run lead in the bottom of the ninth in the ALCS opener against the Yankees.

“He will not close the game,” Leyland told reporters after meeting with his staff in the wee hours of the morning...

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