Since he shifted to closer after the loss of Hicks, Martinez has successfully secured saves in 13 of the 14 save opportunities he’s been handed. He has become the trapeze artist who only succeeds when the safety net is removed. Whatever works. Including his stint as closer last season, Martinez is now 20-for-23 in save situations over the past two seasons.
Miller has a 2.81 ERA and .182 opponent average in 42 appearances (32 innings) since May, along with four saves in five chances and 15 holds during that time frame. He has not been the multiple-inning asset he’s proven to be in the past, but the Cardinals have found other performers for that role.