Jonathan Papelbon

About Jonathan Papelbon

Jonathan Robert Papelbon (born November 23, 1980 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana) is the closer for the Boston Red Sox. He bats and throws right-handed.

Papelbon graduated from Mississippi State in 2003. He throws a fastball that has been clocked as high as 100 mph but is typically thrown the mid to high 90s with great command. He complements his fastball with a devastating splitter and also throws an occasional slider or changeup with far less frequency.

He was the Red Sox closer during most of 2006. In early September, Papelbon injured his shoulder. When the Red Sox were eliminated from playoff contention, he was shut down for the rest of the season to rest. Papelbon was being groomed to be part of the Red Sox starting rotation because of his shoulder problems, but was later moved back to the bullpen before the start of the season and remained the team's closer. On August 21, 2007, Papelbon had his 30th save of the season making him the first Boston pitcher to ever have two 30-save seasons.