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Do IT this week: Layering
Betancourt's struggles put others in line for saves until Borowski returns
By Sheldon Ocker
Beacon Journal sportswriter
Published on Saturday, May 17, 2008
CINCINNATI: Most teams are fortunate to have one closer. As of Friday, the Indians had four.
That is not to say the Tribe bullpen is overflowing with an embarrassment of riches. Interim closer Rafael Betancourt struggled in his past two outings, failing to hold a tie in the 10th inning Monday against the Toronto Blue Jays and being removed after loading the bases with one out in a save situation Thursday against the Oakland Athletics.
That got the attention of manager Eric Wedge, who decided to make a change.
''I'm looking at it like we have four guys that I'm comfortable with in the eighth and ninth innings,'' he said. ''It will depend on how each guy matches up and their availability. I'm not saying somebody is or somebody isn't (the closer).''
Pitchers who will work in the eighth and ninth innings are Jensen Lewis, Rafael Perez, Masa Kobayashi and Betancourt.
Even though Wedge isn't giving him the job, Kobayashi has two saves in the past four days, and he is the pitcher the manager summoned Thursday to rescue Betancourt. After throwing a wild pitch that scored a run, Kobayashi struck out the next two batters to end the game.
''I talked to Betancourt today and told him what I'm seeing,'' Wedge said. ''I haven't seen him command his fastball like he usually does. I haven't seen the consistency this year that he had in the past.''
Wedge can afford to spread the saves wealth around if he chooses, because when Joe Borowski recovers from a strained triceps, he will get back his job as closer. Borowski might be activated as early as the middle of next week.
''I think the worst thing I could do is anoint somebody one day later (after Betancourt's bad outing),'' Wedge said. ''You need more to work with than that. Joe will be back sooner or later, so this is a window — hopefully a short window.''
Sheldon Ocker can be reached at socker@thebeaconjournal.com.
CINCINNATI: Most teams are fortunate to have one closer. As of Friday, the Indians had four.
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