Change at closer coming

 Now two months into the season, it seems as though Brian Matusz is not going to settle back into his role at the back of the bullpen. After a catastrophic appearance against the Orioles on Saturday afternoon, his ERA climbed to 8.35 on the year. He’s only blown 4 saves on the year, but relative to his save total, that is an unacceptable total.

The question then becomes one of who will be the closer going forward. The process of elimination whittles it down to two likely names. While Braden Shipley has been good lately, his erratic past is too fresh in the minds of the coaching staff. Mike Morin is battling his own issues right now, and Jeremy Jeffress hasn’t been as dominant as hoped when he signed. Wandy Peralta has been very good, but as a lefty, he may be better used in other spots.

That leaves new reliever Chris Martin and long time reliever Cody Allen as options. Allen has experience in the closer role in his time with Cleveland and Los Angeles, and is having one of his better starts to a season since he joined the Palms. The manager and pitching coach haven’t made a final decision yet, but look for one of those two to come out of the bullpen the next time there is a save situation.

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