Astros name Gregerson closer
Luke Gregerson will be tasked with finishing off games on a full-time basis for the first time in his career.
The right-hander was named the Houston Astros' closer on Tuesday by manager A.J. Hinch, beating out Chad Qualls and Pat Neshek.
"I really could have gone a lot of different directions," Hinch told Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle. "I think what's a strength of ours is that we have guys that are comfortable pitching late in the game and getting the last three outs.
"I like Luke’s demeanor. I like his pitch repertoire. I think he's having a good spring and he's very trust worthy with his poise and how he goes about his business."
Gregerson agreed to a three-year, $18.5-million deal in December as part of the Astros' focus on improving one of last season's worst bullpens in the major leagues.
The 30-year-old has converted 19 saves during his six-year career and is coming off a season in which he posted a career-best 2.12 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 72 appearances.
Gregerson has been exceptional through 5 2/3 innings this spring, boasting a 1.59 ERA and four strikeouts.