Terry Francona wants John Axford to recapture closer's role

Although the Cleveland Indians' closing situation is finally stable, manager Terry Francona isn't entirely happy with the status quo.

As Jordan Bastian of MLB.com notes, Francona said the eventual goal with respect to relief pitcher John Axford is for the right-hander to recapture the role of closer.

Axford was stripped of his title as closer early in the season as he struggled with consistency. Cody Allen has since seized the reigns in the ninth inning for the Indians. Across 25 2/3 innings pitched, Allen has recorded five saves while racking up impressive rate statistics in strikeouts per nine innings (10.87) and ERA (2.81).

Time away from closing has helped Axford stabilize his erratic performance. He has managed to lower his ERA to 3.52, while striking out over 10 batters per nine innings.

Between 2010 and 2012, Axford saved 105 games for the Milwaukee Brewers. 

[H/T Hardball Talk]