The Pirates today announced that Matt Capps is their new closer and that Salomon Torres will return to his set up role.

Manager Jim Tracy explained the move, which he described as a "tough decision," as having been made for two reasons: One, management has faith that Capps' command and poise will allow him to succeed as a closer. Two, Torres might be more valuable to the team in the seventh and eighth innings, particularly given its recent struggles with right-handed relievers other than Capps and Torres.

Torres had four blown saves out of 18 chances, but Tracy absolved him of one of those in Los Angeles in April when poor fielding was the culprit. Tracy was adamant that Torres' performance was not the deciding factor.

"I don't feel like Salomon did a bad job as closer," Tracy said. "But the flip side is that he has shown he can go greater distances, get multiple outs, and his resiliency is stronger than where Matt's would be. Let's face it: The problem getting through the seventh inning and getting back to those guys has been our biggest issue."

Of Capps, Tracy said, "If you're going to beat Matt Capps, you're going to have to do it with the bat. He's going to throw strikes. Will it work out? We'll see."

Also, Tracy revealed that reliever Damaso Marte was unavailable last night and will be again tonight because of a strained biceps in his left arm. He will be evaluated again tomorrow.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.