Burgos gives D-backs, Hale one more arm to consider in late game scenarios

May 18, 2015, 9:57 PM | Updated: May 19, 2015, 2:50 pm

A new pitcher may have earned a save for the Arizona Diamondbacks Monday night in Miami, but the question of who will be the D-backs’ regular closer moving forward remains a mystery.

Following Addison Reed’s move from closer to a set-up role in the D-backs’ bullpen, manager Chip Hale has employed a by-committee approach when it comes to deciding who will receive the ball at the end of games.

Since Reed’s demotion on May 15, the D-backs have used a variety of arms to help finish games. On Saturday, Brad Ziegler got the nod in ninth. On Sunday, Randall Delgado and J.C. Ramirez combined over the game’s final two innings in the D-backs’ 6-0 series finale loss to Philadelphia. Monday night, Ziegler took the mound in Miami with the game tied 2-2 in the 10th inning following a terrific nine-inning performance from starter Rubby De La Rosa, pitching two scoreless innings and striking out three before handing the ball to Reed in the 12th.

The much-maligned Reed turned in a solid performance in what turned out to be more set-up duty, walking two, but allowing nary a run in one inning of work.

In the 13th inning, the D-backs’ fate rested in the hands of Enrique Burgos, who has been reliable in relief duty this season (3.86 ERA in 11.2 IP), but was seeking his first career save as major leaguer with Arizona clinging to a 3-2 lead.

And as fate would have it, Burgos delivered in D-backs’ first save opportunity since Reed’s demotion.

In the game’s final inning, Burgos struck out two and walked one, picking up that all important save and giving Hale and the D-backs at least one more arm to consider in late game situations.

Dan Jennings, the new Miami Marlins new manager, talks to his new bench coach Mike Goff before their first baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Monday May 18, 2015 in Miami. Jennings replaces Mike Redmond, who was fired Sunday after the Marlins were nearly no-hit in a 6-0 loss to Atlanta that completed a three-game sweep. The defeat dropped Miami to 16-22. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

Dan Jennings, the new Miami Marlins new manager, stands on the playing field before his first baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Monday May 18, 2015 in Miami. Jennings replaces Mike Redmond, who was fired Sunday after the Marlins were nearly no-hit in a 6-0 loss to Atlanta that completed a three-game sweep. The defeat dropped Miami to 16-22. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

Dan Jennings, the new Miami Marlins new manager, talks to the media before his first baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Monday May 18, 2015 in Miami. Jennings replaces Mike Redmond, who was fired Sunday after the Marlins were nearly no-hit in a 6-0 loss to Atlanta that completed a three-game sweep. The defeat dropped Miami to 16-22. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Dan Haren throws to the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a baseball game in Miami, Monday, May 18, 2015. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

The Miami Marlins new manager Dan Jennings stands in the dugout during the second inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Miami, Monday, May 18, 2015. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

A Miami Marlins fan shows his support for the team's new manager, Dan Jennings, during the first inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Miami, Monday, May 18, 2015. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Rubby De La Rosa throws to the Miami Marlins during the first inning of a baseball game in Miami, Monday, May 18, 2015. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

Arizona Diamondbacks runner Chris Owings (16) steals to second on a late throw Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon (9) during the 13th inning of a baseball game in Miami, Monday, May 18, 2015. The Diamondbacks won 3-2 in the 13th inning. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Yasmany Tomas (24) hugs Chris Owings (16) after he scored the winning run during the 13th inning of a baseball game in Miami, Monday, May 18, 2015. The Diamondbacks won 3-2. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

Miami Marlins runner Ichiro Suzuki, right, is thrown out in the 13th inning on a throw to Arizona Diamondbacks' Chris Owings, right, during a baseball game in Miami, Monday, May 18, 2015. The Diamondbacks won 3-2 in the 13th inning. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

Miami Marlins runner Ichiro Suzuki, right, is thrown out in the 13th inning on a throw to Arizona Diamondbacks Arizona Diamondbacks' Chris Owings, left, during a baseball game in Miami, Monday, May 18, 2015. The Diamondbacks won 3-2 in the 13th inning. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Tuffy Gosewisch, left, and Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Enrique Burgos, right, celebrate after the 13th inning of a baseball game in Miami, Monday, May 18, 2015. The Diamondbacks won 3-2 in the 13th inning. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Chris Owings, left, reacts after the umpire called Miami Marlins runner Ichiro Suzuki, right, safe stealing to second during the 13th inning of a baseball game in Miami, Monday, May 18, 2015. After a review, Ichiro was called out. The Diamondbacks won 3-2 in the 13th inning. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

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