CLEVELAND (AP) - The Cleveland Indians sent left-handed pitcher Zach Jackson to Triple-A Columbus and called up lefty Tony Sipp from the Clippers on Wednesday.
Indians manager Eric Wedge announced the move following Tuesday night's 8-7 victory over Kansas City, a game in which Cleveland's beleaguered bullpen allowed six runs in the last two innings. The move was officially made before Wednesday night's game against Kansas City.Jackson, who made two appearances in long relief, allowed three earned runs in 4 2-3 innings. The Indians hope Sipp, who had a 3.86 ERA in four appearances at Columbus, will help at the back end of the bullpen, an area that has been struggling throughout the early portion of the season.
The Indians took a 6-1 lead into the eighth inning Tuesday night, but neither Joe Smith nor Masa Kobayashi retired a batter. They combined to allow four runs.
Cleveland closer Kerry Wood entered the ninth with an 8-5 lead, but gave up a two-run homer to David DeJesus before picking up his second save.
The Indians were counting on left-hander Rafael Perez to be their primary setup man, but he has struggled, going 0-1 with a 16.71 ERA and allowing 13 earned runs and 10 hits in seven innings. Wedge said Tuesday night that Perez wouldn't be used in the late innings in close games for the time being.
Sipp missed most of the last two seasons after having Tommy John surgery on his left elbow in 2007. He had no record at Columbus, allowing three earned runs and eight hits with 10 strikeouts in seven innings.
"Tony is the guy for us right now," Wedge said. "We're not quite sure how we're going to work him into the mix. A lot of it depends on how the other guys progress. We're taking it day by day with the struggles we've had."
