Renteria says Jose Veras will remain the Cubs’ closer

Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Despite blowing a two-run lead against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night, Jose Veras will remain the Chicago Cubs’ closer, according to manager Rick Renteria in post-game interviews.

"“He’s still our guy,” Renteria said. “His stuff is there. I think he just gets a little excited. He starts pulling some pitches. He overthrows some pitches. He’s just got to find his rhythm.”"

Yadier Molina hit a single to center then Veras hit Allen Craig before Molina advanced to third on a Jon Jay sacrifice bunt and scored on a passed ball. Veras then hit Peter Bourjos and walked Daniel Descalso for Cardinals’ third baseman Matt Carpenter, who lifted a sacrifice fly to right to tie it.

"“Shaky outing, but he’s still our guy,” Renteria said after the Cubs eventually won 6-3 in 11 innings against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night. “It’s too early to decide anything like that.”"

Veras recorded a 7.00 ERA in spring training, blew a save in his Cubs debut and saw reliever Hector Rondon earn his first career save Monday night. Veras has two blown saves, seven walks, hit three batters, and a 12.27 ERA on two hits in four appearances over just 3 2/3 innings.

The Cubs faced a similar issue last season when Carlos Marmol lost the closer role after just five games. Marmol gave up five earned runs on eight hits, struck out five, walked four while hitting one with a 9.64 ERA over 4 2/3 innings before then Cubs manager Dale Sveum pulled him from the job.

Should Renteria pull Veras from the closer role?

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