4 years agoThe Pittsburgh Pirates do not plan on using a true closer, and instead will use a mix of high-leverage relievers, according to Jake Crouse of MLB.com. The Pirates had had several strong performances in their bullpen during Spring Training, but it was presumed Richard Rodriguez was the full-time closer. According to Crouse, bullpen coach Justin Meccage named Rodriguez and David Bednar as part of a group of "two or three guys that can handle the ninth inning." This news drops Rodriguez's value a bit, but it provides a slight boost to some of the other late-inning relievers like Bednar — who had a phenomenal Spring Training in which he allowed three hits, one walk and no runs while striking out 18 in 8 2/3 innings of work. For now, Rodriguez, Bednar and other Pittsburgh relievers will likely have the most value in SV/HLD formats.--Michael Grennell - RotoBaller
Source: Jake Crouse