Yeah I get the feeling that Cora is viewing the closer situation as:I see Whitlock as the de facto closer but with more flexibility to come into games earlier if the situation calls for it, which isn’t the worst thing in the world.
Not having first-half 2021 Barnes is unquestionably a blow, but one softened by Robles’ emergence as a somewhat dependable late-inning reliever.
1. Whitlock unless he needs to pitch the 8th (tougher batters due or putting out a fire)
2. Hansel Robles closes if Whitlock was already used.