Levine: Hector Rondon Regaining Control Of Cubs' Closer Role

By Bruce Levine--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- With a full 50 games left in what has been an exciting season, the Cubs have had saves from seven different pitchers. Although right-hander Hector Rondon has had the majority of opportunities to close out games ,no one man has been declared the closer by manager Joe Maddon.

Rondon was getting the job done until being pulled from the closer gig in mid-June after some earlier struggles in May and Maddon seeing an opportunity to tinker. Veteran Jason Motte took over the closer's slot with some success, until the league figured him out and leveled his effectiveness. Maddon would prefer one closer, but being the baseball scientist that he is, he's experimented with all kinds of matchups to get the final outs.

Maddon also thought the time away from the closer's role helped Rondon, who has converted 19-of-23 save chances with a 1.71 ERA and 1.01 WHIP.

"When we took him out of the role in the ninth inning, he was able to pitch more," Maddon said. "He was able to come in during less stressful moments and the (coaches) and him got together and talked more about his slider and changeup. He then was able to work on them in the game without worrying about getting the last three outs."

Closing a major league ballgame isn't for the weak-minded or faint of heart. Rondon had to prove to Maddon that he had the makeup to get those big outs in crucial situations, before he was allowed back in the closer's role.

During Rondon's struggles earlier this season, his fastball was his primary pitch. An evolution was next on the docket for Rondo, who's now relying more on breaking balls.

"In a perverse way, getting him out of that moment of using the fastball and getting him back, taking a step back, he now has all these other weapons to go to with confidence," Maddon said. "I think that is what you're seeing. It is about the player himself, always first. I do think our coaches have done a really good job with him. The way they have called the game for him in the later part, all have been contributing factors."

Maddon is slow to declare people as permanent in any one role, and he's generally reluctant to put labels on players and roles.

"He can be," Maddon said with some hesitancy about Rondon getting the closing role for good. "You saw him do it in the beginning of the year. You also saw a little discomfort with the role from his side, getting it done consistently well. He was great about the whole (demotion to setup role) thing. I believe he knew he needed to (learn how to throw breaking balls). He took advantage of that time. He has come back bigger and better than ever. Now, like he portrayed (Wednesday) night (in blowing a save on a wild pitch against the Brewers), he does not cave. He has learned to slow things down. He is doing everything well. I am impressed with that."

Rondon has been excellent since May 22, putting up an 0.53 ERA over his last 34 appearances. He has gone to a routine of establishing the breaking ball and isn't afraid to throw one in the dirt, even with a runner on third base, which he did Wednesday night on a wild pitch that resulted in the tying Milwaukee run scoring before Chicago won in the 10th inning.

"I feel more confident with myself," Rondon said, alluding to his time going back to the basics. "I am more relaxed when I come out to the mound. Last year and earlier this year, things seemed to be coming fast. Now I go out and try to breathe and get into the moment. Making a pitch and concentrating on the batter in the box is the difference for me.

"We have had good support from the coaches, and I have learned a lot from the other pitchers on the team. The catchers have helped me have more confidence throwing my slider. I feel really good with all of my pitches now."

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.