LAKELAND, Fla. - The Detroit Tigers desperately needed to add a closer this winter to replace the retired Todd Jones.

Brandon Lyon anticipated returning from the disabled list as soon as this weekend, but the results of a second MRI exam on Wednesday crushed his hopes and put the Diamondbacks without their closer indefinitely.

ATLANTA - When Russ Ortiz and Brandon Lyon are activated today, the Diamondbacks’ pitching staff will be as close to full strength as it has been since Lyon left May 13 with a right elbow strain.

TUCSON - For Brandon Lyon, the excitement of pitching in a game against big league hitters for the first time in 18 months was something that could not be savored.

March 7, 2005

Brandon Lyon is confident he can return when eligible to come off the disabled list on Saturday, but the Diamondbacks will not set a timetable for their closer until after an MRI exam today.

PITTSBURGH - Brandon Lyon made more pitches in one inning Wednesday than he did in his week with Pittsburgh in 2003. It’s a long story.

SAN DIEGO - Although no timetable has been set for the return of starters Russ Ortiz and Shawn Estes, Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin said closer Brandon Lyon will not rejoin the team until "sometime in August.''

 DETROIT - The Detroit Tigers compiled a list of candidates to bolster their bullpen this offseason.

LAS VEGAS - The Diamondbacks’ shopping list got a little longer Sunday when reliever Brandon Lyon rejected their offer of salary arbitration.

Following two subpar outings from his closer, the questions came at Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin during his pregame media session on Monday.

Two fierce competitors in the Valley's luxury real estate market have joined forces.

TUCSON - New Diamondbacks closer Brandon Lyon does not have a choreographed entrance from the bullpen, and he does not have one in development.

When injuries delayed Jose Valverde and Greg Aquino out of spring training in 2005, Brandon Lyon became the Arizona Diamondbacks’ closer, and he handled the job with spectacular success until suffering an elbow injury six weeks into the season.

Even with Rich Aurilia falling on him during a pivotal play at third base Tuesday, Brandon Lyon stayed cool and collected. The Diamondbacks do not know him any other way.

LOS ANGELES - An exchange in front of Brandon Lyon’s locker inside the visitors’ clubhouse at Dodger Stadium on Saturday:

HOUSTON - Closer Brandon Lyon, diagnosed with mild elbow tendinitis Friday, has not pitched since the last time he went three days in a row, and manager Bob Melvin said he will try to refrain from more threepeats, even if it is common practice for others.

After another shaky outing on Friday night, Brandon Lyon is no longer the closer for the Diamondbacks, replaced by Chad Qualls.