Now, some two months into the 2015 season, no closer's path has been smoother.
Rosenthal has saved 20 of the Cardinals' 39 wins, more saves than anyone in the NL and one back of the MLB leader, Twins closer Glen Perkins. He's converted each of his last 12 save opportunities and blown just one save all year. That was on May 3. Rosenthal hasn't allowed a run in 16 1/3 innings since, giving him the longest active scoreless innings streak in the league.
"He had a pretty good year last year, too, but statistically, it looks a little different [this season]," manager Mike Matheny said.