Carlos Marmol has converted his last 12 save opportunities, and much of the credit goes to his confidence.
Its all confidence now, manager Dale Sveum said. Its confidence in being able to throw his fastball, to get the swings and misses now.
"Guys arent just sitting there and waiting for a slider. Now the velocity, hes throwing strikes, getting back in counts. His confidence has to be at a high level.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Marmol has earned six saves in Julyhis highest total for a month this seasongiving him 13 saves for the season. He last blew a save on April 24. Since he came off the disabled list on May 28 for a strained right hamstring, he has allowed nine runs in 20 innings.
Though Marmols outings might not always be quick, clean, 1-2-3 innings, hes found a way to be effective lately.
Hes done the job, Sveum said. You look at every closer. You look at every night. The winning run is going to get to the plate. Thats just the way it is. Whether its a one-run lead or a two-run lead, 1-2-3 innings in the last couple innings, theyre very, very difficult to find.