When the Indians released Joe Borowski just prior to the All-Star break, manager Eric Wedge decided not to name an official replacement for the closer role. Wedge said the team's closer would be determined on a day-to-day basis.
The bullpen was in a state of disarray at the time, and it hasn't gotten any better since. In a crushing 10-7 loss to Tampa Bay on Wednesday, Cleveland's relievers had their worst day yet in a season filled with bad days. The Indians took a 7-4 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning, but Edward Mujica and Masa Kobayashi were unable to record even one out. Mujica and Kobayashi needed only a combined 17 pitches to turn a 7-4 Indians lead into a 10-7 Indians loss.
The two relievers combined to give up six runs on five hits, including two doubles and two home runs in the Indians' most spectacular blown save of the season. All six batters faced by Mujica and Kobayashi in the inning reached base and scored.
The Indians wasted no time in making a roster move following the game in the hopes of bolstering what has been the worst bullpen in the American League.
The Indians purchased the contract of veteran right-hander Brendan Donnelly from Class AAA Buffalo, where he had been in the final stages of rehab following Tommy John surgery last August. Donnelly will likely be used in a setup role with the Indians, although with the lack of a true closer on the roster, should he have a couple of solid outings in a setup role, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him eventually get a chance to close.
RAYS 10, INDIANS 7: SS Jhonny Peralta had a five-hit game, but the Indians' bullpen had a six-run ninth inning meltdown, turning a 7-4 lead into another loss. Jeremy Sowers left with a 6-4 lead after pitching six innings.
