Indians and John Axford near deal

Published Dec. 15, 2013 9:22 p.m. ET

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The Cleveland Indians and free agent John Axford are close to reaching a deal reports ESPN's Buster Olney.

Axford, a 30 year old reliever, spent most of his time last year pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers, but ended the season with St. Louis Cardinals.

In Milwaukee, Axford started the season as the closer, but following six blown saves he was removed from the position and traded to the Cardinals.

With the Cardinals, Axford saw success to end the season only giving up two earned runs in 10 1/3 innings of work.

In the playoffs Axford only allowed one earned run during the Cardinals series against the Pirates and Dodgers. During the World Series he pitched 2 1/3 hitless innings and struck out five.

The seven blown saves by John Axford in 2013 were the second-most of his career.

In 2011, Axford had a career-high 46 saves and followed that up with 35 saves in 2012.