With the Indians right in the thick of the playoff chase, manager Terry Francona said on Friday that closer Chris Perez will be relieved of his duties this weekend.
Chris Perez out as Indians closer, according to Terry Francona
After nearly blowing a five-run lead on Thursday, the Indians will go in a different direction during the ninth inning moving forward.
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Francona did not name a new closer, and it sounds like Cleveland will use a closer-by-committee approach moving forward, depending on the matchups.
Francona also said that he will use Perez out of the bullpen in some capacity this weekend, though it would not be in a save situation. It’s unclear what Perez’s role will be if the Indians make the playoffs
After surrendering four runs to the Twins on Thursday, Perez's ERA ballooned up to 4.33 on the season. He has 25 saves, though he's also let his fair share get away from him late in ballgames. The main reason behind his downfall is the long ball; in just 54 innings, Perez has surrendered 11 home runs.
Cody Allen, Bryan Shaw and Joe Smith seem to be the three most likely candidates to anchor the ninth inning.
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