I have questioned several times on this site White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen's reluctance to use closer Dustin Hermanson in save situations. It turns out that the back problem that has bothered Hermanson all season continues to be a problem. Being a niggling injury, a spell on the DL doesn't look likely, but it could mean that Guillen will be forced to look elsewhere in his bullpen on days when Hermanson's back is too painful to pitch. Despite not having started the season as the team's closer, and despite missing occasional games because of the back pain, Hermanson has still racked up 30 saves on the season - including two in the last two days against the Yankees - in 31 save opportunities. That's tied with Mariano Rivera for second in the AL behind only Bob Wickman's 31. Hermanson's 1.60 ERA is fourth among AL closers with at least 10 saves, trailing Rivera (1.06), Huston Street (1.31), and Eddie Guardado (1.35).

» Hermanson's back an issue for Sox [mlb.com]

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