ST. LOUIS — John Axford, whose recent struggles on the mound have cost the Rockies dearly, is out as closer. At least for now.
"I had a conversation with John a little earlier and I told him I was going to get him out of that ninth inning for a little bit and let him catch his breath," manager Walt Weiss said Friday evening prior to the Rockies' game against the Cardinals.
After an excellent start to the season, Axford has stumbled badly in his last five appearances. He has has blown four saves and given up eight runs, eight hits and eight walks in 3 innings.