After giving up three runs to Toronto to take the loss on May 12, Betancourt pitched himself into a jam today, loading the bases with one out. Masa Kobayashi, the career saves leader in Japan and an offseason acquisition for Cleveland, came on to record the last two outs, allowing one run to score on a passed ball with his second pitch. Kobayashi looked strong after that temporary bout of wildness, and it's likely he'll be given the endgame nod next time, at least until Borowski returns later this week or next. Whether, how and when Borowski returns to the closer role will be an interesting choice for Indians manager Eric Wedge, but at least Kobayashi has shown his value.
Rafael Betancourt
15 May 2008
In the meantime his setup man Rafael Betancourt, one of the best eighth-inning men in 2007, has been closing in his place, but has been struggling.
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