Terry Francona said Saturday that the goal remains to work deposed Indians closer John Axford back into that role, per MLB.com. He added that others are performing better in the ninth inning at this time.
He is likely referring specifically to Cody Allen, who has thrived as a closer in recent weeks. Allen has nailed down his last four save opportunities without giving up a hit and walking just one. Francona is still claiming a closer-by-committee approach, but Allen has been used in all save situations of late.
Axford has bounced back as a short reliever after getting bounced out as closer. He has surrendered just one earned run in his last 10 appearances.