Clint Hurdle won’t call Felipe Rivero the Pirates closer. He insists Rivero’s role isn’t limited to just that.
If it walks like a duck, though, well, you know the rest. Rivero may not officially be the closer, but he is the pitcher that will close out wins.
Hurdle said he doesn’t want to put too much pressure on a young pitcher finding his way. He also said he wants to use Rivero in some other high leverage situations when needed, but I don’t see that happening much, if ever.
The caution is understandable but not necessary.