DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: AL Central—Perez to the DL

Cleveland Indians

Chris Perez (RHP, CLE) has been placed on the DL with soreness in his right shoulder. Manager Terry Francona has said that Vinnie Pestano (RHP, CLE) will take over ninth inning duties. But the situation may not be as straightforward as it seems.

Perez's shoulder bothered him in spring training enough to shut him down for several weeks prior to Opening Day. The current injury may result in a significant DL stint. Until the last few weeks the promotion of Pestano to closer was an easy choice. He was outstanding in both 2011 and 2012 in a set-up role, posting Doms of 12.2 and 9.8 with Cmds of 3.5 and 3.2, supporting ERAs of 2.32 and 2.57. However, the Pestano of 2013 has not been the Pestano of 2011-2012. Although the...

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