I have always leaned towards Houck as the closer and Whitlock starting, but if Whitlock is on a strict innings count for the season, then I'm not so sure.
Of course, since Houck is never allowed to see a batter 3 times in a game, it doesn't help his case to start over Whitlock.
Ideally, both would be great in the pen, but we'd need Pivetta to turn things around, and quickly, and Hill to build off is last start or two, and someone from the farm to start for us. I'm not sure anyone is ready, right now.
Big Nate seems to be finding his groove, and Wacha has been a very pleasant surprise. Hoping for Sale is not a winning strategy.