Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Saturday that Rondon will remain the closer to begin the season, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis:
The endorsement came with a minor caveat, as Maddon stressed that he believes in using "the right reliever" in high-leverage situations. Regardless, it sounds like Rondon will be the man in the ninth inning until performance dictates otherwise. Using a fastball that averaged almost 96 mph, a slider and a cutter, Rondon struck batters out at a 9.0 K/9 clip and finished with a 2.42 ERA and 29 saves in 44 appearances last season.
