Righty Tommy Kahnle hasn't exactly put his clutches around the job, with his 7.50 ERA while going 2-for-3 on save chances in his last six outings. But Weiss said the decision has more to do with Axford, who is 16-for-21 on save chances since taking over when Adam Ottavino suffered a season-ending elbow injury.
"I look at Axford as he's been our closer for the most part since 'Otto' went down," Weiss said. "He went through some tough times, but I feel like he's righted the ship. We'll plug him back in."
Axford's struggles are only part of a bullpen that has become a sore spot.