CLEVELAND -- For the second straight year, John Axford finds himself on a new team in August.
The Pirates claimed the right-hander on waivers from the Indians on Thursday. Following the move, the Indians said they will fill Axford's roster spot on Friday before the start of a three-game series against Baltimore.
Axford signed with the Indians during the offseason to be their closer. He had nine saves the first five weeks of the season but faltered after that and was removed from that role. Axford appeared in 49 games, going 2-3 with 10 saves and a 3.92 ERA. He allowed 19 earned runs in 43 2/3 innings with 30 walks and 51 strikeouts. He also gave up six home runs.
Axford's final appearance with the Indians was last Friday against the Yankees, when he allowed a grand slam to Carlos Beltran during the sixth inning of a 10-6 loss.
Last August, Axford was traded from the Brewers to the Cardinals.
