John Axford: Removed from Closer's Role, for Now

Axford will pitch earlier in games going forward with the intention of working him back into the closer's role.

Analysis:

Manager Terry Francona made the call Saturday, stating that a combination of Cody Allen, Scott Atchison, Marc Rzepczynski, and Bryan Shaw will garner ninth-inning reps in place of Axford. In five May appearances, Axford was hammered en route to a 1-2 record, one save (in two chances), 11.25 ERA, 3.00 WHIP, and 6:6 K:BB in four innings, a trend that certainly warrants a change.