CINCINNATI — They may not call him closer by name but when they dial the bullpen to get someone ready for the ninth inning, the Cardinals will be asking for Alex Reyes.
The Cardinals’ righthander, a reliever this season to prepare to be a starter next, will open this season in the same role he had at the finish of last season. Reyes rose from mid-inning fireballer to the Cardinals’ closer in the playoff series against San Diego, and on Thursday, even with a five-run lead, the club had Reyes handle the final three outs.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if you saw Alex Reyes at the back of the game,” manager Mike Shildt said.