The Indians seem to be getting other problem areas of the club settled down, but the biggest problem of all remains bigger than ever. That would be the bullpen, which had another dramatic meltdown Friday.
The relievers had a total implosion as the Indians, in a game they led at one point 7-0, lost to Tampa Bay, 8-7. Three Indians relievers combined to give up three runs over the last 2 2/3 innings. The last of those runs came on a walk-off home run hit by B.J. Upton in the bottom of the ninth inning off Luis Vizcaino, who was making his first appearance with the Indians after being signed to a major league contract Thursday.
It was the second consecutive night that the Indians' pitchers blew, or nearly blew, a big lead. Thursday night, the Indians had an early 9-0 lead that was shaved to 9-6 before the club held on at the end to win.
The bullpen is in such chaos that none of the relievers have clearly defined roles, with the exception of closer Kerry Wood. Manager Eric Wedge has brought in various relievers in various situations, and the only constant has been inconsistent performances, which has prevented the Indians from going on any kind of winning streak.
RAYS 8, INDIANS 7: RHP Luis Vizcaino, in his first appearance since being signed to a major league contract, gave up a walk-off home run to B.J. Upton in the bottom of the ninth as the Indians blew a 7-0 lead. OF Grady Sizemore and OF Shin-Soo Choo homered for the Indians.
