March 27, 2018

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Brad Boxberger is likely to begin the 2018 season as the closer for the team, but will have competition. Manager Torey Lovullo said that Boxberger has the lead for saves in Arizona, but Archie Bradley and Yoshihisa Hirano could each get save opportunities if Boxberger falters.None of the three have extensive closing opportunities, but Boxberger did lead the American League in saves in 2015 (41). While this is very solid, he has only pitched 53 2/3 innings over the last two seasons, dealing with a core injury in 2016 with the Rays. A new addition to the Diamondbacks, Boxberger allowed one earned run in six Spring Training innings, striking out seven batters and walking one. He excelled in 2014, posting a 2.37 ERA in 64 2/3 innings and striking out 104 batters, before regressing in 2015 (3.71 ERA and 10.6 strikeouts per nine) and 2016 (4.81 ERA and 8.1 strikeouts). Boxberger improved in 2017, 40 strikeouts and a 3.38 ERA in 29 1/3 innings, and his cut in walk rate (seven per nine to 3.4 per nine) may lead to a successful 2018 season. A key statistic to watch is the rate of swings outside the strike zone that Boxberger induces; after posting a career-best 33.6% swings in 2015, that number dipped to 28.4% last season. His walk rate plummeted and his strikeout rate jumped at the end of the 2017 season as his O-Swing% improved, so keep an eye on that statistic at the beginning of the season. The Diamondbacks were a playoff team last season and Fernando Rodney saved 39 games; Box could approach that number if he stays the closer.--Chris Zolli