Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon put the finishing touches on a 3-1 win over the Mets on Friday, earning his 112th save as a member of the Phillies. Following a Daniel Murphy leadoff single to right field, Papelbon struck out Lucas Duda and Kevin Plawecki before getting Dilson Herrera to fly out to end the game. He moves into a tie with Jose Mesa as the club’s all-time leader in saves. Papelbon is also the leader in saves for the Red Sox at 219. He is only the second closer to lead two different clubs in saves, along with Robb Nen (Giants and Marlins).
The Phillies controversially signed Papelbon -- now 34 years old -- to a four-year, $50 million contract in November 2011, as it was and still is a record for a reliever. Papelbon, though, has certainly delivered his end of the bargain, entering Friday night’s contest with a combined 2.41 ERA and a 224/47 K/BB ratio in 209 1/3 innings since signing the deal.
Papelbon remains a trade candidate for the rebuilding Phillies, but his $13 million salary for the 2015 season and his $13 million option for 2016 -- which is all but guaranteed to vest -- limits the list of potential suitors.