Right-hander Kevin Gregg wants his closer's job back.
"I don't have a choice. If I had my choice, I want to pitch the ninth," he said Wednesday. "I've racked up over 60 saves in two years. Not a lot of guys have done that. I believe I'm a late-inning bullpen guy. I think I can pitch the ninth for anybody." He returned to action Tuesday and earned the win by pitching a scoreless seventh inning. Gregg had notched 29 saves before he was sidelined Aug. 30 with inflammation in his left knee. In August, he had blown three save chances, including his last two outings before his injury was discovered, and compiled a 10.13 ERA.
He also has nine blown saves, tied for most in the majors.
While Gregg rested his knee, Matt Lindstrom was given a chance to finish games. Lindstrom has converted his last two chances, including Florida's 10-8 win Tuesday.
Although Gregg said his knee is no longer an issue, manager Fredi Gonzalez said the team wants to be careful. He said Gregg would continue to pitch in non-save situations for now.
"My biggest concern is him favoring it and hurting something else," Gonzalez said. "We'll go as safe as we can and as quick as we can."
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