Yankees manager Joe Girardi indicated Monday the team might use Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller in the closer's role rather than having one of them handle the job full-time.
"In years past we had a pretty defined closer so there was never a question,'' Girardi said, per ESPN. "In looking at the candidates that we have, neither one of them have really closed. And we could still name a closer, but it’s not on the top of my priority list.''
Miller, who was signed in the offseason, has just one save over nine MLB seasons. Betances also has just one save in 78 career appearances.
"To me, the important thing is they understand if we don’t name a closer, in the later innings which guys are theirs,'' Girardi said. "In your mind you can start preparing in the sixth, sort of like a closer would, these are the guys I'm going to face. I think the most important thing is communication, and they understand you’re role isn't clearly defined as you’re the eighth inning guy and you’re the ninth inning guy, but your role is clearly defined when you’re going to pitch.''