PT TOMORROW: AL Central—How secure is Axford’s status as closer?

Cleveland Indians

John Axford (RHP, CLE) had six saves in his first seven chances, but the numbers behind his performance raise a red flag. In his first 8 IP his xERA was 5.39. He had a 1.3 Cmd resulting from a K:BB ratio of 9:7. His BPV was -22. Eight innings is a small sample size, but major league managers make decisions about closers on small sample sizes. Axford lost his job last April with the Brewers and his underlying BPIs were actually better than they have been so far this year. The Indians have a strong alternative to Axford in Cody Allen (RHP, CLE). Allen has posted a 146 BPV in his first 8 IP (10 appearances) on the strength of a 12:4 K:BB ratio. This is no fluke. Last year Allen put up a 121 BPV for the season. He had an...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

This week, we take a look at Lars Nootbaar's new opportunity to find his game in Arizona, meet new faces in San Francisco, and check in on Jordan Beck's second chance in Colorado.
Aug 8 2026 3:05am
Adams is having a solid season at Triple-A and the Brewers could use help at third base.
Aug 7 2026 3:05am
Could Jeff Hoffman eventually move back into the closer role in his new home? Plus, Joey Bart power upside, Kyle Manzardo's future, and other post-deadline observations from around the division.
Aug 6 2026 3:06am
With the trade deadline behind us, the Angels have a new catching option in Moisés Ballesteros.
Aug 5 2026 3:05am
Has Kristian Campbell's resurgent July put him on the radar for a return to the majors? Plus, SP depth in TB, BAL catching woes, and more.
Aug 4 2026 3:05am

Tools