After weeks of skirting the issue, the Reds officially confirmed pitcher Aroldis Chapman will serve as the team's closer for the upcoming season, CBSSports.com Senior Baseball Columnist Scott Miller reports. Since the end of last year, Chapman was being considered for the starting rotation and prepared for a possible move during spring training.
However, the team will keep the hard-throwing left-hander in the bullpen after he collected 38 saves with an astonishing 122 strikeouts in 68 games last season. Mike Leake is expected to serve as the fifth starter for Cincinnati.
General manager Walt Jocketty said Friday there was no debate leading up to the decision and using Chapman in the ninth inning gives the Reds the best chance to win now.