Tommy Kahnle will serve as the Rockies’ official closer following the demotion of John Axford, manager Walt Weiss confirmed on Saturday, as Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.
The Rockies have not had much stability in the ninth inning throughout the season. LaTroy Hawkins started the season as the closer, but struggled and was replaced by Adam Ottavino. Ottavino, however, suffered an elbow injury and subsequently underwent Tommy John surgery. Axford then stepped into the role and performed well for a while, but hit the skids coming out of the second half.
Kahnle, 26, has put together a solid season, currently owning a 2.60 ERA with a 35/17 K/BB ratio in 27 2/3 innings. He got the save on Friday, his first of the season in his only attempt thus far.
