CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 30: Closing pitcher Chris Perez #54 of the Cleveland Indians celebrates after the last out against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Progressive Field on July 30, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated the White Sox 7-4. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND (92.3 The Fan) – Monday night was a tough one for Indians closer Chris Perez, who gave up four runs as the Tigers stunned the Tribe 4-2 at Progressive Field.

Perez, who at one point was always willing to speak at length about issues with the team, has gone on a media ban since the incident in which he was charged with a misdemeanor count of possession of controlled substance back in June.

While for the most part Perez not speaking to the media wasn’t a big issue, it became one Monday, as normally in a situation like that when a pitcher loses a game like Perez did, he’s usually looked at to speak about his performance.

Since he didn’t, manager Terry Francona was left to answer on if he felt it was okay for Perez to shun the media, and on what kind of example it sets for other players on the roster.

“Guys aren’t forced to (speak to the media),” Francona said. “In a perfect world, guys stand in front of their locker, sometimes it’s not a perfect world.”

Perez was approached by AP reporter Tom Withers Tuesday for a comment, to which the Tribe closer told Withers “I’m not talking the rest of the year, quit asking.”

While Perez chooses not to speak, the rest of the Indians clubhouse had to speak up for him after the heartbreaking loss to the Tigers.

Francona says that the decision for Perez not to speak is his own, and it doesn’t change in his mind the comradery of the clubhouse one bit.

“I think it’s his personal choice, I think we try to foster an environment where guys, good, bad or in between are accountable,” Francona said.

“Some guys choose not to talk, like I said it’s not always a perfect world.”

Perez was riding an 11-game save streak before he allowed the four runs and took the loss Monday night.

Francona said Tuesday that the closer would not be available for the game Tuesday, and that they will wait and see before declaring who may close the game.

“We may have to piece it together tonight, maybe (Justin) Masty (Masterson) throws nine (innings), that would be tremendous,” Francona said.

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