Considering he got the first since John Axford's removal from the closer role May 11 after filling in for him just a few days earlier, Bryan Shaw appeared to be the Indians' go-to guy for the ninth inning in the near term. So when he pitched the eighth inning of a game the Indians led by only one run Monday, it was a bit of a shock.
Granted, coming into the year, Cody Allen was considered the more likely replacement for Axford should anything go wrong, but Shaw had been so effective this season, compiling a 1.71 ERA in 23 appearances, that his ascension to the role wasn't the biggest upset ever.
Considering Allen blew the save Sunday, Terry Francona might want to rethink rethinking who he uses in the ninth inning. His hesitance to commit to either Shaw or Allen is a pretty good indication he hopes to turn the ninth inning back over to Axford at some point. Axford has had four scoreless appearances since being removed from the role, allowing no hits and two walks in 3 1/3 innings.
If I was ranking the three in terms of how many saves I think they'll get from now to the end of the season, I'd go Axford, Shaw and Allen.