Ryan Cook gave up a three-run homer to Toronto's Jeff Mathis in the ninth inning Friday to blow a save in Dan Straily's major league debut. Ugly. Cook has now blown three of his last four save chances, but since the previous two blown saves came in games the A's went on to win, they were quickly forgotten. His job as Oakland's closer likely remains safe for now, but one more misstep could cause Bob Melvin to go back to a committee in the ninth.

Ryan Cook was among the 2012 All-Star selections for the American League. Cook has had a terrific year, but he certainly didn't deserve to go ahead of starters like Yu Darvish and Jake Peavy, who will have a shot to get in via the Final Vote. Also on the AL squad alongside Cook will be Matt Harrison, Felix Hernandez, Justin Verlander, CC Sabathia, C.J. Wilson, Jered Weaver, Chris Sale, David Price, Joe Nathan, Jim Johnson, Chris Perez and Fernando Rodney.

Ryan Cook bounced back from Friday's blown save to pitch a hitless ninth in a 1-0 game Monday against the Mariners. Cook picked up his fifth save. His ERA jumped from 0.57 to 1.71 when he gave up four runs in Friday's loss, but he's still having one heck of a year.

Ryan Cook blew a 3-1 lead by giving up four runs in the ninth Friday against the Giants. The A's were putting together a nice little run with some excellent pitching before things came crashing down on Cook tonight. He brought a 0.57 ERA into the game and ended it with a 1.71 mark after failing to retire any of the four batters he faced. Expect him to remain Oakland's closer unless he fails to bounce back next time out.

Ryan Cook notched his fourth save on Tuesday by hurling a scoreless ninth against the Dodgers. Cook has been outstanding since taking over as the Athletics' closer, allowing just two hits and two walks over 4 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out seven. The must-own closer has pushed his ERA down to 0.59 to go with a 0.85 WHIP.

Ryan Cook notched his third save of the week on Saturday afternoon, retiring the Padres in order. Cook has been outstanding since taking over for as the Athletics' closer, allowing just two hits and one walk over three scoreless innings while striking out four. He's now done enough to solidify himself in that role and should be owned and started in all fantasy leagues going forward.

Ryan Cook earned his first career save by protecting a three-run lead Tuesday against the Rockies. It wasn't easy. Cook put two runners on to start the inning before striking out two in a row and inducing a game-ending fielder's choice from Todd Helton. Grant Balfour tossed a pair of perfect innings to set up Cook, while Brian Fuentes was nowhere to be seen. A's manager Bob Melvin, of course, said over that weekend that he'd employ a closer-by-committee going forward. Cook looked like the best bet to lead Oakland in saves for the rest of the season at the time and Tuesday was certainly a nice step in that direction. The 24-year-old right-hander, acquired over the winter along with Jarrod Parker and Collin Cowgill from the Diamondbacks, has a 0.67 ERA and 0.89 WHIP on the season.

A's manager Bob Melvin said Saturday that he'll use Ryan Cook, Grant Balfour and Brian Fuentes in save situations depending on matchups and availability. Not a complete surprise, as it was expected that Fuentes would be removed from the role due to his ineffectiveness. Cook has been the best reliever in the A's bullpen, boasting an 0.69 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 25 strikeouts in 26 innings. He looks like the strongest long-term option and should be scooped up immediately in all fantasy leagues.

Ryan Cook tore the nail on his right middle finger during Thursday's game. Cook was examined by a team trainer, but stayed in the game and earned his first major league victory. While it was clearly painful, it doesn't sound like a long-term concern. The 24-year-old right-hander has an 18/10 K/BB ratio over 19 2/3 scoreless innings this season and could eventually be in line for save chances.

Ryan Cook has yielded just three hits and no runs through 16 2/3 innings of relief this season. He has also fanned 16 batters and is sporting a 0.66 WHIP. Cook is probably next in line for saves should veteran lefty Brian Fuentes struggle in his new role.