Watson remains the Pirates' closer despite his recent struggles, GM Neal Huntington told SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio on Wednesday. "Watson has been one of the best performing relievers in baseball," Huntington said. "We're comfortable with him pitching in the ninth."

EDGE Analysis

This vote of confidence is encouraging, coming on the heels of Watson's five-run blowup Sunday -- he recorded just two outs. Overall, Watson has given up eight runs on eight hits with a 6:3 K:BB this spring. The lefty's skills slipped again last season, with his 4.37 FIP suggesting he overachieved to a significant extent with a 3.06 ERA, but the Pirates seem to be content at the back end for the time being given Watson's larger body of work. Daniel Hudson is believed to be next in line for save chances in Pittsburgh.