Philadelphia Phillies closer Jeanmar Gomez might have stumbled down the stretch in 2016, but he apparently will not have to look back over his shoulder during spring training.

Manager Pete Mackanin ended any speculation of an open competition in spring training by proclaiming Gomez the front-runner for the ninth-inning role. "I wouldn't say it's wide open. I'm going to give Gomez every opportunity to show that he's the guy that pitched the first five months and not the guy that pitched in September," Mackanin told reporters, including Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. "Right now, Jeanmar's the closer."

Gomez was a pleasant surprise for the Phillies last season, saving 37 games in 43 chances. The 29-year-old from Venezuela started strong but faded after mid-August, posting a 13.20 ERA and a 2.47 WHIP in his last 19 outings.

Mackanin is rewarding Gomez for his early-season success and give him some breathing room in the weeks leading up to Opening Day, but he does have other options. Free-agent signee Joaquin Benoit has been a middle reliever the past few seasons, but saved 24 games for the Tigers in 2013.

Hector Neris, who struck out 102 batters in 80⅓ innings, is among the other Phillies relievers who "have shown closer’s stuff," Mackanin added.

- Doug Mittler