A's temporarily replacing Ryan Cook as closer

Grant Balfour was back as the A's closer -- at least for one night -- on Saturday, picking up the save against the White Sox. Ryan Cook came into the game in the seventh inning.

A's rookie closer Ryan Cook has 12 saves. (US Presswire)

A's manager Bob Melvin said he's not taking the closer title away from Ryan Cook -- but he is giving save situations to Grant Balfour, who recorded the final three outs of the A's 9-7 victory over the White Sox for his eighth save of the season.

Before the game, Melvin said Cook's role change would be temporary -- "it could be one time, it could be a couple," he said, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Cook picked up the victory, throwing 1 1/3 scoreless innings Saturday, giving up two hits and striking out one.

For more baseball news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnBaseball on Twitter, subscribe to the RSS feed and "like" us on Facebook.