In his last seven appearances, Pirates closer Tony Watson was 0 for 4 in save chances with a 10.80 ERA. That's generally not a good way to hold onto that job and, sure enough, a change has been made.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle told reporters (Stephen J. Nesbitt) on Friday that moving forward, closing duties will be split between Juan Nicasio and Felipe Rivero. Nicasio, a righty, and the southpaw Rivero could be used based upon matchups or simply who is more fresh heading into the game.

Watson was 10 for his first 11 this season and having a good year, he just lost himself in the last few weeks. Relievers are volatile like that, so a return to the role of closer isn't out of the question, if Watson gets himself right at some point later this season. 

Nicasio has a 1.35 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 25 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings this season. His splits don't really indicate that he's harder on right-handers than lefties. 

Rivero has a 0.58 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 34 strikeouts in 31 innings. Control has been an issue at times in his career, but he's only walked six this season. He's definitely tougher on lefties, but no one has hit him this year. Right-handed hitters are batting just .169/.213/.268 against him. 

The Pirates head into Friday with a 26-34 record and in last place in the NL Central, though they're only 5 1/2 games out of first.