Arizona Diamondbacks are sticking with closer Greg Holland

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo has publicly announced his support for closer Greg Holland and will keep him in his closer role.

The reason Torey Lovullo had to announce his support is because of something that should never happen in a professional baseball game.  This week the Arizona Diamondbacks (44-45) were facing their hated rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers (60-30).

The game was in the 9th inning and the Diamondbacks held a 4-3 lead.  Lovullo brought in Greg Holland to close the game.  Holland quickly retired the first two batters he faced.

That’s when the unthinkable happened, he walked 4 straight batters.  Let that statement sink in.  He walked the bases loaded after getting the first two outs.

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Needless to say Holland was removed after that, but the damage was done.  T.J. McFarland came in and promptly walked Cody Bellinger to give the Dodgers the walk-off win, 5-4.

The next day the Diamondbacks had the lead 4-3 in the 9th against the Dodgers and Holland came in and allowed a double by Enrique Hernandez and he was brought home on a hit by Matt Beaty.  Bellinger later hit a home run in the 10th to win the game 5-4.

Now Holland’s job is being questioned by a lot of fans and sports critics.  I happen to agree with manager Lovullo though that Holland should still have the closer role and I’ll tell you why.  Holland’s numbers are still good for a closer.  He has 16 saves and his ERA is 3.21.  He has only blown 4 saves.

The hard thing is his two most recent blown saves came in consecutive games against a rival and came in horrific fashion.  The four straight walk game is something that is unacceptable, but I think he has earned a little leeway so far this season.

Besides these two games, Holland has been a calming presence in the bullpen that has been in turmoil the last few seasons.  I say he keeps his job, but the leash has to be tighter especially if this is the beginning of a downward spiral.