He's a starter until the Cardinals tell him he's not. But let's face it. There is a real chance that reassignment happens this year. A silver lining of Wainwright's exit from the rotation could be a bullpen role that lets him flummox hitters with his signature curveball, without giving his opponents enough of a look to size up Wainwright's fastball.
Wainwright as closer? Unlikely, yes. But at least a little bit intriguing. He could go out the way he came in.