CLEVELAND -- The formula for helping the Indians' bullpen get back on track played out well over the past two wins over the Brewers. The offense got the lead, Cleveland's starter got through seven innings and the bridge required to reach closer Cody Allen was shortened.
That allowed Indians manager Terry Francona to allocate the outs in the middle innings the best way he saw fit, as opposed to over-exposing relievers in less-than-ideal matchups. That has been one of the challenges over the past six weeks for the Tribe's bullpen and will continue to be a tightrope routine until someone emerges as a reliable setup man, or the club goes out and gets one via trade.