David Robertson has just seven career saves, but he figures to be in line to take over for Mariano Rivera next season.
“I haven’t been told anything,” Robertson said after the Yankees’ 4-0 loss to the Rays in Rivera’s Yankee Stadium finale. “I’m going to show up next year and try to earn my spot back in the eighth inning and if they give me the ninth, I’ll take it and do the best I can. But I’m not going to worry about it.”
It seems a logical decision, because the Yankees are looking to conserve finances, they likely will not be in the market for a big-ticket closer.
Though the right-hander previously has had some difficulty in the role when filling in for Rivera, Robertson sounded ready for another shot.
His ability to strike out batters (76 in 64¹/₃ innings this season) should make him a fit for the role.
“Who wouldn’t?” Robertson said. “Every reliever wants to be a closer. We’ll see what happens next year.”