The Indians have removed pitcher John Axford from the closer role, the team announced Saturday.
Manager Tito Francona said the goal is to get him back into the ninth inning after he pitches in less-stressful situations earlier in games. He is 1-3 with a 4.91 ERA and 15:13 K:BB ratio in 14 2/3 innings. The Indians haven't named a replacement, but Cody Allen, Scott Atchison, Marc Rzepczynski and Bryan Shaw could get save opportunities.