But entering the season, they were at least expecting Michael Fulmer and Brad Boxberger to take the eighth and ninth innings more often than not.

Source: https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2023/5/18/23728890/cubs-bullpen-management-look-into-david-ross-thought-process-without-a-closer-keegan-thompson

The would-be “closer” can be used in any inning from the sixth on, like the Sox’s Reynaldo López or the Cubs’ Michael Fulmer.

Source: https://www.bostonherald.com/2023/04/18/column-new-age-baseball-requires-adjusting-to-the-pitch-clock-and-finding-the-right-pocket/