The Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves are "keeping a close eye" on Colorado Rockies closer Rafael Betancourt as the trade deadline nears, according to Troy Renck and Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post. The 37-year-old would be one of the better relief pitchers available on the market this summer.

Over 35 appearances this season, Betancourt has posted a 3.18 ERA with 34 strikeouts and nine walks in 34 innings. Working as a full-time closer for the first time, he's saved 15-of-19 possible save opportunities in the first year of a two-year contract that pays him $4.25 million annually.

Currently, the Red Sox are using Alfredo Aceves as their closer while the Braves continue to trot out dominant 24-year-old Craig Kimbrel. Either way, Betancourt would likely return to the set-up role that he filled for so many years if a deal takes place.

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