Manager Tony La Russa gave Ryan Franklin a vote of confidence as the Cardinals' closer Sunday. Franklin blew his sixth save chance Saturday. "When Franklin is fresh, he's going to get the ninth inning," La Russa said. "He's the best guy we have for that role."Source: St Louis Post-Dispatch Related: Jason Isringhausen

Ryan Franklin blew his sixth save by giving up a homer to Fernando Tatis in the ninth inning on Saturday. Franklin did a nice job after allowing the game-tying solo shot, pitching two scoreless innings. However, this makes two blown saves and two losses in his last three appearances. The chances of the Cardinals making a trade for a closer could be increasing.

It's been a tough stretch for Franklin, who has allowed nine earned runs over his last 8 2/3 innings and has clearly become a huge liability in the Cardinals' bullpen. Kyle McClellan (2.89 ERA, 44/15 K/BB) could soon start receiving his save opportunities.

It's been a tough stretch for Franklin, who has allowed nine earned runs over his last 8 2/3 innings and has clearly become a huge liability in the Cardinals' bullpen. Kyle McClellan (2.89 ERA and 44/15 K/BB) could soon start receiving his save opportunities.

It's been a real rough going for Franklin, who has allowed nine earned runs over his last 8 2/3 innings and has clearly become a huge liability in the Cardinals' 'pen. With five blown saves on the year, don't be surprised to see manager Tony LaRussa consider other ninth-inning options for the time being. Kyle McClellan (2-5, 2.89 ERA and 44/15 K/BB) seems like a likely replacement.

Franklin takes loss as Brewers win in extras

Ryan Franklin stumbled again on Monday night. The closer notched the final out in the ninth, but he allowed four hits and three runs (two earned) in the 10th frame against the Brewers. Franklin has served up eight runs over his last seven innings.The Cards have talked about working Jason Isringhausen back into the closer mix, but Izzy hasn't been sharp. Tony La Russa might have to figure out a different solution if things continue going this way.

The Cardinals report Ryan Franklin will continue as the primary closer, but the team has desires to slowly reintroduce Jason Isringhausen into that mix as well, according to MLB.com.The entire relief strategy is a work in progress as the Cardinals attempt to solidify the best mix. Franklin entered the eighth inning of a tie game at home on Saturday, indicating that perhaps Jason Isringhausen would have been the pitcher with a lead in the ninth. Isringhausen did not appear in Tuesday night's game, however, with Kyle McClellan handling setup duties for Franklin. Isringhausen was placed on the disabled list after a lengthy and deep slump, but since his return to active duty he's pitched very well. It's still considered a matter of time before he is reinstated to his former job. La Russa said Wednesday that while Franklin is the primary ninth-inning pitcher for now, it's not quite as certain as it was a couple of weeks ago.

While Ryan Franklin is still considered the Cardinals' primary closer, skipper Tony La Russa said it is no longer automatic that Franklin will be the ninth inning option, this according to the team website. When Franklin pitched the eighth inning of a tie game at home on Saturday, it indicated that Jason Isringhausen will begin to see some ninth inning opportunities. "You just keep pitching [Isringhausen], and he's going to pitch in critical situations," La Russa said. "And you keep evaluating on a game-to-game basis who's available and who should pitch when. What's a timetable for? What's the need for a timetable?"Since returning from the disabled list, Isringhausen has been effective. The report noted that it's just a matter of time before Izzy is reinstated to his former role.

Ryan Franklin earned save number 12 on Tuesday in Philadelphia.Despite a healthy Jason Isringhausen and some rough outings lately, it appears Tony La Russa will stay with Ryan Franklin in the closer's role...for now.