Axford out as Brewers Closer
By: Nick Goddard
Updated: July 17, 2012
One day after his 6th blown save of 2012, John Axford has been removed as Brewers closer, manager Ron Roenicke announced Tuesday.
Axford was one of the best closers in all of baseball in 2011, posting 46 saves as the Brewers made the National League Championship Series.
2012 has been a different story, however. Axford has a 2-6 record with a 5.35 ERA. He has converted only 16 of 22 save opportunites. The right-hander had blown only 5 saves combined in 2010 and 2011.
Francisco Rodriguez will take over for Axford as Milwaukee's closer. Rodriguez has 292 career major league saves, but has served as a set-up man for the Brewers since being acquired in a trade from the Mets in July of last year.
Milwaukee hosts St. Louis tonight at Miller Park in game 2 of a three-game series.
Axford was one of the best closers in all of baseball in 2011, posting 46 saves as the Brewers made the National League Championship Series.
2012 has been a different story, however. Axford has a 2-6 record with a 5.35 ERA. He has converted only 16 of 22 save opportunites. The right-hander had blown only 5 saves combined in 2010 and 2011.
Francisco Rodriguez will take over for Axford as Milwaukee's closer. Rodriguez has 292 career major league saves, but has served as a set-up man for the Brewers since being acquired in a trade from the Mets in July of last year.
Milwaukee hosts St. Louis tonight at Miller Park in game 2 of a three-game series.
