Jonathan Papelbon (RP)

Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon faced the Red Sox for the first time since leaving in the offseason on Friday, and made quick work of them in the ninth inning to close down a 6-4 Phillies win. Papelbon allowed just a leadoff infield single in the inning, while striking out one to save his 12th game of the season.

Philadelphia Phillies RP Jonathan Papelbon worked a scoreless ninth inning Friday, May 18, to pick ...

For Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon, the only thing at stake while facing his former team, the Boston Red Sox, is bragging rights.

The Phillies enjoyed a five-run lead heading into the ninth inning on Thursday against the Cubs, however reliever Jake Diekman allowed three runs to score before being pulled from the game with a runner on second base. Closer Jonathan Papelbon came in and relieved him, and while he did allow the runner to score on a single, he was eventually able to induce a ground out to end the game and earn his...

Philadelphia Phillies RP Jonathan Papelbon was not available to pitch Tuesday, May 15, after being ...

Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon said he is available to pitch Monday against the Astros after slipping on the mound Sunday and tweaking his back.

Philadelphia relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (0-1) worked a clean ninth inning to lock down his 10th save of the season during the Phillies' 3-2 victory over San Diego on Sunday. Papelbon needed just 12 pitches and struck out two batters to lower his ERA to 2.57 on the season.

Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon was pegged with his first loss of the season during Monday night's contest against the Mets. Papelbon came on the top of the ninth inning with the score tied 2-2, but surrendered two hits in the frame, including a three-run home run off the bat of Jordany Valdespin. He threw 30 pitches during his outing and finished two strikeouts and a walk.

Jordany Valdespin had a pinch-hit three-run homer off Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth inning for his first major league hit, leading the New York Mets to a 5-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night.

Philliles closer Jonathan Papelbon recorded his ninth save of the season on Tuesday against the Braves. He struck out one batter in his inning of work, preserving the 4-2 win. He has yet to blow a save and owns a stellar 0.82 ERA on the year.

Ray Flowers answers questions that have been sent to him at the BaseballGuys' Twitter account.

David Gonos takes a look at the relief efforts of many teams and how blown saves have made the closer roles for many teams wide open.

USA Today analyzes the closer situations and the impact that injuries have played on them.

Don't forget: Daniel Bard might be a saves speculation, too. Plus, who will be the Phillies' Jonathan Papelbon insurance?