Indians dump Danys Baez

CLEVELAND, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- The Cleveland Indians have declined the 2004 option on reliever Danys Baez, who lost his role as closer in mid-August.

Baez went just 2-9 with 25 saves and a 3.81 ERA in a team-high 73 appearances. He ranked ninth in the American League in saves, but was removed from his role after blowing a major league high-tying 10 chances.

The 26-year-old native of Cuba set a club record for appearances by a righthander, but also led all AL relievers in losses.

Baez split time between the bullpen and rotation in 2002, going 10-11 with six saves and a 4.41 ERA in 39 games, including 26 starts. As a rookie in 2001, he was 5-3 with a 2.50 ERA in 43 relief appearances.