John Axford: Cleveland Indians 2014

John Axford, who lost the Indians' closer's job in May, has been traded to Pittsburgh.

(Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians have traded right-hander John Axford to Pittsburgh in a waiver deal. The news was first reported by Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.

The Pirates assume what's left on Axford's $4.5 million deal, an estimated $1.3 million. The Indians do not get a player in return.

Axford, who signed a one-year with the Indians in December, opened the year as the closer, but lost the job in May. Axford is 2-3 with a 3.92 ERA and 10 saves in 49 appearances.

He started the year 9-for-11 in save situations, but lost the role because he walked too many batters. Axford has 30 walks and 51 strikeouts in 43 2/3 innings. He was also been prone to the home run, allowing six, many of them game-changing in nature.

Axford, in 32 games after being removed from the closer's job, posted a 3.41 ERA in 29 innings. He struck out 36, walked 17 and allowed 11 earned runs in that stretch.

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With the influx of up-and-coming relievers such as CC Lee, Nick Hagadone and Kyle Crockett, and starter Josh Tomlin being moved to the bullpen, Axford, 31, became expendable.

The Indians will make a move to fill Axford's spot on the 25-man roster on Friday before they open a three-game series against Baltimore. Center fielder Michael Bourn is scheduled to be activated Friday from the DL.

Axford helped St. Louis reach the World Series last season after losing his closer's job with Milwaukee.

This is the third veteran the Indians have parted company withsince the end of July. They dealt Justin Masterson to St. Louis and Asrdrubal Cabrera to Washington before the July 31st waiver deadline.

The Pirates own the first wild-card spot in the National League and are closing in on NL Central leader Milwaukee.