Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Sunday that he will "mix and match" at closer with Slaten and Chris Martin following the season-ending injury to Kenley Jansen (shoulder), Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.
Slaten has looked sharp since returning from his elbow injury last month, posting a 1.69 ERA and 12:2 K:BB over 10.2 innings covering 11 appearances. Cora indicated Sunday that he envisions the Rule 5 pick as a potential long-term closer option, and the 27-year-old could get a look in the role this week. Jansen is an impending free agent, so Boston will be looking for a new closer next season.