The Diamondbacks’ decision Wednesday to part ways with Greg Holland by designating him for assignment underscored an issue that has plagued them in recent years – and, for that matter, for much of the club’s history. They have been unable to find a dependable option in the ninth inning.
Holland’s time in the closer’s role ended only 10 days before his removal from the roster. He was an effective option for about the first 2 1/2 months of the season before falling off a proverbial cliff. Manager Torey Lovullo said Wednesday that Holland’s performance had dipped to such a degree the club wasn’t confident it could get him back on track quickly enough to justify sticking with him.