Sat 2/21/15 6:14 AM

Manager Ryne Sandberg said Papelbon will be the Phillies' closer this season, the team's official site reports.It was pretty much a given, but the question was asked because Papelbon needs to finish 48 games this season to have his $13 million club option for 2016 vest. The option year has created some difficulties for the Phillies in their attempts to trade Papelbon this winter. He has finished no fewer than 52 games in each of the previous eight seasons, making the option a near lock to be executed provided Papelbon stays healthy. If the Phillies can trade Papelbon this spring, Ken Giles would be the favorite to close.