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Cleveland Indians Fantasy Baseball Closer Information and Depth Chart

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Previous updates:

June 6, 2013
Cleveland Indians – Chris Perez is under investigation after a package containing marijuana was delivered to his home.  He hasn’t been charged with anything, but obviously, any lengthy suspension would put his season in doubt and greatly increase Vinnie Pestano’s value.  No hierarchy change.

May 29, 2013
Cleveland Indians – Chris Perez had an MRI on Tuesday, which revealed tendinitis in his right rotator cuff. The injury is not expected to be serious, and Perez should return from the disabled list on or around June 11. No hierarchy change.

May 28, 2013
Cleveland Indians – As we predicted, Terry Francona has given Vinnie Pestano the closer’s mantle in Chris Perez’s absence, insisting that the righthander’s recent drop in velocity is nothing to worry about. As for the rest of the Indians’ bullpen, Bryan Shaw was used Monday night to finish off a 4-2 loss; 2011 draft pick Cody Allen has edged him out ever-so-slightly. Hierarchy change: Cody Allen to 2nd in line, replacing Bryan Shaw.

May 27, 2013
Cleveland Indians – Chris Perez has been put on the 15-day DL with right shoulder soreness.  Manager Terry Francona did not say anything about a replacement for Chris Perez in the postgame yesterday, but Vinnie Pestano seems like the logical choice.  He recorded a franchise record 36 holds and also a couple saves when Perez was unavailable last season.   He has struggled a little bit so far this year but Francona is impressed with what Pestano has done the past couple seasons.  Joe Smith got the call yesterday in the ninth,  Peter Gammons thinks it might be Bryan Shaw, but acknowledges how well Cody Allen has been pitching.  We will continue to monitor this situation to see who emerges as the closer while Perez is sidelined.   No hierarchy change.

May 26, 2013
Cleveland Indians – Chris Perez left Sunday’s game early, favoring his arm after throwing a pitch.  The Indians went on to lose after Joe Smith gave up the game-winning hit on the next pitch.  Vinnie Pestano stands to get first crack at saves if Perez’s injury is serious.  Hierarchy change: Vinnie Pestano to Closer, Joe Smith to Set-up, Bryan Shaw to 2nd in line, Chris Perez injured.

May 24, 2013
Cleveland Indians – Scott Barnes picked up his first career save on Thursday, a three-inning effort that closed out an Indians blowout.  He does not factor in to Cleveland’s usual late-inning plans.  No hierarchy change.

May 18, 2013
Cleveland Indians - Vinnie Pestano returned from the DL last night and picked up the win in extra innings.  He should immediately return to the set-up role. Hierarchy change: Vinnie Pestano to Set-up, Joe Smith to 2nd in line.

May 13, 2013
Cleveland Indians – Cody Allen picked up a one-inning save in the 10th inning for the Indians on Sunday.  Chris Perez experienced some mild stiffness as he was warming up, but expects to be fine tomorrow.  No hierarchy change.

May 7, 2013
Cleveland Indians – Vinnie Pestano was placed on the 15-day DL with a sore right elbow. Hierarchy change: Joe Smith to Set-up, Bryan Shaw to 2nd in line.

April 4, 2013
Cleveland Indians – Joe Smith picked up the save for the Indians in the 11th inning last night.  Chris Perez and Vinnie Pestano had already pitched.  No hierarchy change.

February 24, 2013
Cleveland Indians – Starting 2013 hierarchy: Closer- Chris Perez, Set-up- Vinnie Pestano, 2nd in line- Joe Smith.

September 4, 2012
Cleveland Indians - Vinny Pestano picked up his second save of the season as Chris Perez was still out on paternity leave. Perez is expected to be back on Tuesday and will resume closing duties when he comes back. No hierarchy change.

September 2, 2012
Cleveland Indians – Vinny Pestano pitched for 1 out in the 8th, and stayed on to close the game. Chris Perez was unavailable because he just had a child, and should resume closing duties when he comes back. No hierarchy change.

July 13, 2012
Cleveland Indians – The trade rumors surrounding the Indians have generally been centered on hitting, as they seem unlikely to be shopping for any relief help at the deadline. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None.

June 17, 2012
Cleveland Indians – Nick Hagadone’s ERA rose to 4.98 after he got knocked around by the Pirates on Saturday. After Chris Perez and Vinnie Pestano, the Indians bullpen has been shaky. Only Joe Smith has been reliable in recent weeks, as he’s only allowed 1 run in his past 7.2 innings. Hierarchy change: Joe Smith to 2nd in line, replacing Nick Hagadone.

May 8, 2012
Cleveland Indians – As predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Chris Perez and Vinnie Pestano were both held out of Cleveland’s doubleheader on Monday, and Cleveland went to young lefty Nick Hagadone in the first game. Tony Sipp got the save in game 2, but Hagadone (1.08 ERA) has been the Indians most impressive middle reliever as of late. Hierarchy change: Nick Hagadone to 2nd in line, replacing Joe Smith.

April 12, 2012
Cleveland Indians- The middle-inning portion of the Indians bullpen continues to be shaky, as lefty specialist Rafael Perez had a bad outing on Wednesday. Joe Smith, who in past years has been used exclusively against righties, has been one of the few steady arms thus far, and this year is being used against both lefties and righties. Hierarchy change: Joe Smith to 2nd in line, replacing Rafael Perez.

April 8, 2012
Cleveland Indians- Tony Sipp was shelled on Saturday, two days after he looked shaky in the season’s opener. For the time being, the Indians will likely call on Rafael Perez when they need a lefty, at least while Sipp works himself out. Hierarchy change: Rafael Perez to 2nd in line, replacing Tony Sipp.

March 19, 2012
Cleveland Indians- Chris Perez is injured and may miss the start of the season. Vinnie Pestano could see some saves early in the season but there is no doubt that Chris Perez will be the closer when healthy Starting 2012 hierarchy: Closer- Chris Perez, Set-up- Vinnie Pestano, 2nd in line- Tony Sipp.