Manager Dave Stewart announced Monday that Ziegler will begin the season as the Diamondbacks' closer

Manager Dave Stewart announced Monday that Ziegler will begin the season as the Diamondbacks' closer, Jody Jackson of FOX Sports Arizona reports.

Analysis:

Bringing Tyler Clippard into the fold could have been taken as a challenge to Ziegler's gig, but the incumbent will remain in the closing role once Opening Day rolls around. In 2015, Ziegler replaced Addison Reed in May and proceeded to complete 30 saves, which he supplemented with a crisp 1.85 ERA and 0.956 WHIP. However, Ziegler's lack of heat doesn't equate to many strikeouts, as evidenced by 4.76 K/9 last season.