ATLANTA — Chicago Cubs manager Dale Sveum says Carlos Marmol is out as closer and rookie Kyuji Fujikawa will take over the role.
Marmol blew a save opportunity in Saturday’s 6-5 loss to the Atlanta Braves when brothers B.J. and Justin Upton hit solo homers in the ninth inning. Sveum made the decision before Sunday’s game.
Fujikawa didn’t fare much better in a three-run eighth that allowed Atlanta to cut the lead to 5-4, but Sveum says he has the makeup and repertoire of a closer.
Fujikawa has 219 saves and a 1.77 ERA over 12 years with the Hanshin Tigers in Japan’s Central League.
Sveum indicated that Marmol, who has a 27.00 ERA in three appearances this season, will try to work out his problems in a setup role.
