"Joakim Soria is nearing a return to the closer role just a week after losing the job.

Manager Ned Yost said before Sunday's 6-0 loss that one more solid appearance could prompt Soria to regain his former role. Soria hasn't allowed a run in two outings since his demotion, but he didn't pitch Sunday.

"That's three good innings in a row," Yost said. "I kind of suspect one more good outing like that and we can slip him right back to where he belongs."

Soria has worked three scoreless innings while not allowing a hit or walk, but both of his appearances have come in the late innings of losses.

Now, Yost wants Soria to pitch in a more pressure-filled situation."