Octavio Dotel has successfully converted his last seven save opportunities.

Dotel had an ugly start to the 2010 season, but he hasn't allowed an earned run since June 15 and he has racked up a save in each of his last five appearances. The veteran right-hander is helping his trade value and holding off All-Star setup man Evan Meek for the Bucs' ninth-inning gig.

A source told AOL Fanhouse's Ed Price that the Marlins have asked the Pirates about closer Octavio Dotel.

Dotel appears likely to be moved before the end of the month, perhaps to a team that would use him as a setup man. The Marlins would probably want him to pitch the eighth in front of Leo Nunez. If the Pirates trade Dotel, then Evan Meek would likely move into the closer's role.

Octavio Dotel was charged with a blown save against the Tigers on Sunday after allowing one run and recording just one out.

The Pirates were ahead 2-1 entering the bottom of the eighth, but relievers D.J. Carrasco and Javier Lopez combined to put two runners on with two outs. Dotel then entered, but Miguel Cabrera took him yard to give the Tigers a 4-2 lead. Dotel has now given up a run in each of his last three outings, taking a loss and today's blown save in the process. While Dotel survived a brutal two week stretch of games in April to maintain his status as closer he may not be so lucky this time around. With Evan Meek dominating in a setup role, the Pirates will be more likely to make a move. Meek should be owned in most formats as a speculative play.

Octavio Dotel picked up his fifth save of the season on Wednesday night by working a clean ninth inning against the Cubs.

Dotel did plunk Marlon Byrd, but impressively struck out Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez to end the game. Dotel hasn't allowed a run over his last four appearances and has given up just one hit during that span. Although Evan Meek continues to impress, Dotel's hold on the closer job is safe for now.

Octavio Dotel flew to Pittsburgh prior to Sunday's game against the Dodgers to be with his wife, who is expecting to give birth.

Pittsburgh lost the game 9-3, so a save situation never presented itself, but Pirates manager John Russell said a potential save opportunity would have been given to either Joel Hanrahan or Evan Meek. Dotel is expected to return to the team when they begin a homestand on Tuesday. He is only 3-for-5 in save conversions this season.

Pirates manager John Russell confirmed Thursday that the Pirates are sticking with Octavio Dotel at closer despite his recent struggles.

Dotel believes he will settle down, too. "Don't panic with me," the right-hander said. "I'm going to do my job. I'm going to do what I'm supposed to do. I always earn my money. It's just been a little bumpy in April." Joel Hanrahan and Evan Meek are worth monitoring in case the problems continue.

Octavio Dotel blew a save by giving up a run in the 10th Wednesday against the Brewers.

Dotel gave up a clean double to Ryan Braun with one out in the 10th. After an intentional walk to Prince Fielder, Casey McGehee hit a grounder up the middle that both Dotel and second baseman Akinori Iwamura had a shot at but missed. Iwamura, in truth, should have turned it into a game-ending double play. But once it snuck into center field, it tied the game. Dotel rebounded from there, getting five more outs to keep the game tied into the 12th. It was Dotel's second blown save and his ERA stands at 10.61, but his job should still be safe at the moment.

Octavio Dotel picked up his second save despite giving up a two-run homer to Eugenio Velez in the ninth inning Tuesday against the Giants.

Velez retired the final three batters he faced after a leadoff double and then the homer, but only a great play from Garrett Jones at first base kept the Giants from extending the game. On the plus side, the runs were the first Dotel has given up in four innings this season. His job is plenty secure at the moment.