Jose Contreras will begin the season as the Philadelphia Phillies closer.
While speaking with reporters at Citizen’s Bank Park before Tuesday’s on-deck series against the Pittsburgh Pirates Charlie Manuel said, “Right now, if I had to choose, Contreras would be (our) closer.”
The 39-year old right hander made a smooth transition from starter to reliever last season posting a 3.34 ERA in 56 and 2/3 innings. In 67 appearances, Contreras sported a 1.22 WHIP (walks & hits per innings pitched) and struck out 57 while walking 16.
Contreras will begin the season as the Phillies closer due to Brad Lidge being on the 15-day disabled list. Lidge was shutdown late last week after experiencing pain in the back of his throwing shoulder. He received an MRI on his injured shoulder on Tuesday but results have not been released at this time.
Ryan Madson was initially assumed to take over the closers role but the team feels his comfortability and success in the 8th inning is strong enough to move Contreras to the back end of the bullpen.
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