Clippard, Hudson in line to inherit closer role

July 9th, 2016

SAN FRANCISCO -- With the trade of Brad Ziegler to the Red Sox late Friday night, right-handers Tyler Clippard and Daniel Hudson will take over the D-backs' closer duties.
"Those two guys have the most experience, so I would imagine right now one of those two would be in the ninth," D-backs manager Chip Hale said Saturday morning. "Probably more Clippard today than Huddy just because he's been off."
Hudson has been on bereavement leave the past four games following the death of his grandmother.
Clippard, who has been a reliever for the past eight seasons, has more experience in the role, having saved 54 games.
Hudson, meanwhile, transitioned to the bullpen last year after having a pair of Tommy John surgeries.
Clippard has been pitching better of late than Hudson, who had a 1.55 ERA before struggling with a 33.00 ERA over his last six appearances.
"I would just assume that Clip slides into Zig's role just based on I've missed a few days here and wasn't exactly throwing the ball fantastic before," Hudson said. "I'm just ready to go get three outs whenever they ask me to."