MLB.com is reporting the Boston Red Sox have annoucned that Jonathan Papelbon will take over the closing duties for the team again this year. With Papelbon moving back to the bullpen, the fifth spot in the rotation now falls to journeyman Julian Tavarez.
Papelbon dominated as a closer last year, posting a 4-2 record with a 0.92 ERA. But due to health concerns, the Red Sox medical staff advised the coaching staff and management that Papelbon be made a starter again (he was drafted as a starter in ’03). It’s unclear at this point if the medical staff gave the organization clearance to move him back to the bullpen, but this sure fills a once huge need for Boston.
The move also squashes an earlier rumor that the Red Sox were interested in Giants’ closer Armando Benitez.
