Four nights after throwing a temper tantrum that resulted in a suspension, embattled Boston Red Sox closer Alfredo Aceves imploded on the mound.
Having been reinstated to the roster, and with Andrew Bailey unavailable to pitch the ninth inning, Aceves was asked to get a six-out save in a one-run game Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Angels. He breezed through the eighth inning, then gave up two runs in the ninth en route to a 6-5 loss in the opener of a three-game series and a nine-game West Coast trip.
And now, Aceves' role is as uncertain as ever.
Aceves' day began with a commercial flight to Orange County, the final punishment from a three-game suspension handed out by the Red Sox for what they termed "conduct detrimental to the team" stemming from his screaming match Friday night in Fenway Park.
It ended with Aceves allowing a game-tying RBI single to Mike Trout and a game-winning sacrifice fly by Torii Hunter.
Before the game, Aceves met with Valentine for 30 minutes, then spoke to the coaching staff, presumably to explain why he stormed into the manager's office after not being used in a save situation against the Kansas City Royals and slammed two doors upon leaving.
Valentine was evasive about whether he was satisfied by what Aceves had to say. He also was vague about how he intends to use Aceves from now on, but it was clear when Aceves warmed up in the sixth inning that Valentine no longer views him as a closer.
If not for the fact that Bailey, Mark Melancon and Vicente Padilla were unavailable after being taxed last weekend against the Royals, Aceves wouldn't have been asked to get a six outs Tuesday.
"I'm not saying that was his role tonight for a save," Valentine said. "He was the only guy available to pitch."
The Red Sox picked Aceves to be their closer on the eve of Opening Day only after Bailey underwent thumb surgery. In 59 appearances, Aceves is 2-9 with a 4.76 ERA while going 25-for-33 in save opportunities. He has struggled this month, posting a 10.24 ERA in 13 appearances and blowing three of his six save chances.
Meanwhile, Bailey has returned to the team and allowed one run on four hits and two walks while striking out four batters in 5 1/3 innings.
