Indians released RHP Chris Perez. Perez was a non-tender candidate, so the Indians simply got the move out of the way early. The 28-year-old right-hander posted a disappointing 4.33 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 54 innings this summer as Cleveland's primary closer and was busted in June for having a package of marijuana shipped to his house. He'll get another shot somewhere.

Chris Perez is on the Indians' roster for Wednesday's Wild Card game against the Rays. The Indians will carry 11 pitchers and 14 position players for the game. Perez was recently pulled from the closer role and Indians manager Terry Francona has indicated that he could use Justin Masterson as an alternative.

Indians manager Terry Francona said he's undecided on who he will use in the postseason as his closer. Chris Perez was pulled from the role last week and seems unlikely to get the job back during the playoffs. "We're not there yet," said Francona. "We'll see how things go." Matt Albers, Joe Smith and Justin Masterson were used in the ninth inning this past weekend, though they were all in non-save situations. Masterson would be an intriguing option, though it's possible he could eventually go back into the rotation. "Some of it probably depends on how stretched out he gets," Francona said of Masterson. "He's a good pitcher, so I'm not as worried about what his role going forward is. I just like the idea that he's a really good pitcher and we plan to use him."

The Indians will use a closer-by-committee approach to finish the regular season. Chris Perez has really struggled recently and the Indians aren't willing to take any chances with every game a must-win at this point. Joe Smith, Cody Allen, and Bryan Shaw could all be in the mix in the late innings.

Chris Perez was pulled from a non-save situation Thursday against the Twins. Ouch. Perez entered the ninth inning with a five-run lead, so Indians manager Terry Francona mostly wanted to get him some work after his blown save on Tuesday, but he almost threw the game away before Joe Smith was able to put out the fire. He ended up being charged with four runs on four hits over two-thirds of an inning and now owns a 4.33 ERA on the year. Francona may have no choice but to go in another direction in the ninth inning right now.

Chris Perez blew his fifth save of the season but escaped with a no-decision in Tuesday's win over the White Sox. Perez allowed a game-tying homer to Dayan Viciedo to lead off the ninth before Alejandro De Aza put the Pale Hose up with another blast with two outs. After Alexei Ramirez singled, Perez was then pulled. Jason Giambi then bailed Perez out with a walk-off shot in the bottom of the frame. Indians manager Terry Francona isn't interested in changing roles at this point, so Perez will get the ball again for the next save chance.

Chris Perez pleaded no contest to drug abuse on Tuesday and was found guilty of receiving a small package of marijuana back in June. Cleveland's 28-year-old closer was sentenced to pay a $250 fine and serve one year of probation. A six-ounce bag of pot sent from Los Angeles and addressed to Brody Baum, Perez' dog, was intercepted by police in June. Perez' wife Melanie also appeared in court on Tuesday and entered a plea to minor drug possession. Mr. Perez said that the drugs and paraphernalia found in his basement kitchen belong to him.

Chris Perez threw a scoreless ninth inning to earn his 21st save against the Twins on Sunday. This was a nice performance to see in light of Perez' struggles earlier this month. Entering the game, the veteran closer had posted a 6.30 ERA and 1.40 WHIP over 10 August innings. Despite the occasional rocky outing, Perez has no job-security issues and owns a 3.22 ERA and 1.21 WHIP over 44 games. The Indians are 3-1 in Perez' four blown saves this year.

Chris Perez blew his fourth save Wednesday, but he went on to pick up his fifth win against the Twins. The Indians are 3-1 when Perez blows saves this year, with Perez picking up two of those wins. In this one, he gave up a game-tying solo homer to Joe Mauer in the bottom of the 10th, but he stayed in and pitched a scoreless 11th before the Indians scored in the top of the 12th. Joe Smith took over in the bottom of the 12th and pitched a scoreless inning for his second save.

Chris Perez threw a scoreless ninth inning to earn his 19th save against the Twins on Tuesday. Perez allowed a double to Oswaldo Arcia but escaped without futher incident. He's now thrown three scoreless innings and picked up two saves since his meltdown against the Tigers last week. Despite the occasion hiccups, he remains a solid option for saves.