Tolleson replaced by Dyson as Rangers closer

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Shawn Tolleson will not be closing games for Texas for a while, Rangers manager Jeff Banister revealed before Wednesday's series finale with the Oakland Athletics. He will be replaced by Sam Dyson.

Tolleson, who enters play tied with A's Ryan Madson and Seattle's Cishek for the AL lead with 11 saves, had his fourth blown save Tuesday night, allowing a grand slam to Khris Davis with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning.

The Rangers had taken the lead on a two-run homer by Ian Desmond in the top of the ninth, pinning Madson with his first blown save of the season.

The Rangers have lost six times in walk-off fashion, the most in the majors and matching their total from last year.

Dyson has saved two games in the Rangers' last three wins. He's tied for second in the AL with 10 saves.

''Shawn will still pitch, just in different situations,'' Banister said. ''You look at his body of work and he's been efficient, effective and sits atop the AL in saves. This is a tough stretch for him.''

Tolleson has blown saves in each of his last two appearances and has two saves in five chances over his past six.

''This is not unlike a position player who is struggling,'' Banister said. ''It gives him an opportunity to exhale a little bit.''

Dyson owns a 1.43 ERA in 51 games since being acquired by the Rangers from the Miami Marlins. He's appeared in 133 games over five seasons.

''Sam has been relegated to one-inning stints,'' Banister said. ''When you take all the factors, it points to Dyson to give the opportunity to close.''

Only the Los Angeles Angels have used their bullpen more often than the Rangers, who lead the AL with the most bullpen decisions.

''I still believe in this bullpen,'' Banister said. ''We can't keep rolling them out every night. We need these guys for the long term. We have to be able to close these games out.''