Mitchell Boggs closed out a four-run game against the Pirates with a scoreless ninth inning on Monday. Obviously, it's not a save. Still, Boggs had the outing he needed, with the caveat that he threw 22 pitches. Since he only threw eight pitches in blowing a save Sunday, he should still be available Tuesday if the Cardinals want to use him to close.

Mitchell Boggs blew a ninth-inning lead Sunday in the Cardinals' loss to the Brewers. Boggs entered with the Cardinals up by one run. He promptly gave up a single to Carlos Gomez and then Yuniesky Betancourt hit a game-tying RBI double. Boggs has allowed eight runs -- seven earned -- in just 6 1/3 innings this season, but Trevor Rosenthal has also been shaky. The Cardinals miss Jason Motte (elbow) badly.

Mitchell Boggs was a bit shaky in the ninth inning on Friday, but eventually slammed the door on the Brewers to record his second save of the season. After recording the first out, Boggs walked Norichika Aoki and allowed a single to Jean Segura which put the tying runs on base. He battled back nicely though to whiff Ryan Braun and Rickie Weeks to end to game and preserve the Cardinals' victory. Every converted save gives him a little more leash and control over the closer's role.

Mitchell Boggs had a meltdown in a non-save chance Monday against the Reds, allowing seven runs -- six earned -- on two hits and four walks over 1/3 of an inning. Two of the walks were intentional, and Boggs wasn't helped by his defense or multiple well-placed grounders and bloops. Still, that doesn't make fantasy owners that took the ERA and WHIP hit feel much better. Trevor Rosenthal blew a one-run lead in the eighth prior to Boggs taking over, and he's now failed to register a hold in both of his chances. Boggs should continue to work the ninth inning in Jason Motte's absence, but his leash isn't long.

Mitchell Boggs blew his first save chance for the Cardinals after giving up a run in the 12th to the Diamondbacks on Wednesday. After the Cardinals took a 9-8 lead, Boggs gave up a single and hit a batter. The Diamondbacks tied it after that on a sac bunt and a sac fly. Obviously, it's not the kind of outing Boggs wanted in his first save chance as Jason Motte's replacement. Still, he did bounce back afterwards and pitch a scoreless 13th in a tie game. If Motte blows his next save chance, Mike Matheny will begin fielding questions on whether it's time to switch to Trevor Rosenthal.

Mitchell Boggs was credited with his third save of the spring after pitching a perfect ninth Thursday against the Marlins. The Cards went with Edward Mujica in the seventh, Trevor Rosenthal in the eighth and Boggs in the ninth in their 1-0 win today. That's likely how it will line up in the regular season until Jason Motte returns.

Mitchell Boggs gave up his first run of the spring Saturday after earlier learning he was likely to open the season as the Cardinals' closer. We trust Trevor Rosenthal and Fernando Salas at least as much as Boggs, but it's clear Boggs is Mike Matheny's choice to replace Jason Motte in the closer's role for now. It should give him quite a bit of fantasy value initially. How long it lasts depends on Motte's arm.

Mitchell Boggs is expected to open the season as the Cardinals' closer. With Jason Motte (elbow) sidelined, Boggs will be given the first shot to serve as closer after posting a 2.21 ERA in a setup role last season. If he can hold down the job, he should have plenty of short-term fantasy value until Motte is ready to return. Trevor Rosenthal will also be a candidate for saves if Boggs struggles.

Cardinals avoided arbitration with RHP Mitchell Boggs by agreeing to a one-year contract. The financial details are not yet available. Boggs, who was arbitration-eligible for the first time, posted a 2.21 ERA as Jason Motte's setup man last season. He'll be used in the same role this season.

Mitchell Boggs is arbitration-eligible for the first time. Boggs figures to get a pretty nice payout in his first time through the arbitration process after posting a 2.21 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 73 1/3 innings this past season. He should be a reliable setup man again in 2013 and will be next in line for saves if Jason Motte gets injured.