Perez has given up runs in three of his five appearances this year. He has looked nothing like the reliever who led the Indians in most relief categories last year while averaging 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings.

The importance of Perez to the Indians' bullpen cannot be overstated. He's the No. 1 lefty in the bullpen, and he can pitch in middle relief, a setup role, or even be used as a closer.

Manager Eric Wedge depends on Perez to come in and get big outs. The last two years Perez was typically only brought into games the Indians were winning, and he usually was successful in preserving the lead.

That hasn't been the case thus far in 2009, which adds one more problem spot to a pitching staff that has been loaded with them thus far.

ROYALS 9, INDIANS 3: RHP Carl Pavano, who came into the game with an 81.00 ERA, had a much better outing in his second start of the season, but the Cleveland bullpen crumbled late, and the hitters weren't able to generate much offense. Pavano worked six innings, giving up four runs with eight strikeouts and no walks. The Indians hitters, for the second consecutive game, had 10 hits but scored three runs or fewer.