The Red Sox were up 13-6 going into the ninth today, but Chapman was needed after Cooper Criswell gave up three runs. Chapman walked the first batter he faced, loading the bases, but he then got a double play ball to end the game. It was the second save of the year for Boston’s primary closer.

It is incredible that Chapman is still sitting 99 MPH and saving games at 37 years old. His command wavered a bit, as it often does, but he set down the Orioles rather easily to earn this save. He seems entrenched as the closer for the Red Sox and should see plenty of save opportunities this season.

It wasn’t exactly a ringing endorsement from Cora, who added that he wouldn’t be surprised if there was some mixing and matching depending on situational matchups. It sounds like Cora is leaving the door open to use Chapman prior to the ninth inning with a lead to protect if there are a couple tough left-handed batters coming up, which would lead to someone like Liam Hendriks, Justin Slaten or Garrett Whitlock to vulture the occasional save. It’s not quite a full-fledged closer by committee situation, but it’s close.

Chapman hit 101 mph on the gun tonight, so he definitely appears to be ready for the season. Expectations are that he’ll be Boston’s primary closer initially.