Indians manager Terry Francona announced Monday that Vinnie Pestano will get the first crack at save opportunities while Chris Perez (shoulder) is sidelined. Pestano has not been very good this year and is experiencing diminished velocity that may be related to a right elbow injury, but he's been the "next in line" guy in Cleveland for the past few seasons and so it's only fair that he gets the first shot. If Pestano can't cut it, the Indians will turn to either Joe Smith or Cody Allen.

Vinnie Pestano's fastball was clocked in the 88-89 mph range during Saturday's appearance against the Red Sox. He usually sits in the 92-93 mph range. The drop in velocity showed in his results, as Pestano gave up a career-high four runs and four hits in the outing. It was his fourth appearance since coming off the DL with an elbow injury, so there's naturally some worry that he might not be healthy. Indians manager Terry Francona insists the reliever is healthy, though. "In spring training, when guys start throwing, they have to build arm speed," said Francona. "That's what he's doing now... There are no medical issues. We got him through that. Now we just have to get him back to being Vinnie."

Indians activated RHP Vinnie Pestano from the 15-day disabled list. Pestano has been out since late April with a minor elbow injury, but he's ready to rejoin the Tribe's bullpen after making one rehab appearance. He'll return to being the main setup man for Chris Perez.

Vinnie Pestano (elbow) is eyeing a return on May 17. Pestano will resume throwing on Sunday and is scheduled for one rehab appearance next Wednesday. Assuming they go well, he'll be activated on May 17.

Indians manager Terry Francona expects Vinnie Pestano (elbow) to only need about a week on the disabled list before being activated. "He'll probably only spend another week [on the DL] then be good to go," Francona said. "He got a [MRI] scan and it was clear." Pestano's DL move was backdated, so he'll be eligible to return on May 16. The elbow issue he's dealing with has been a problem off and on for a couple years, but the Indians are hoping this was just a small bump in the road.

Vinnie Pestano said Monday that an MRI on his right elbow revealed no major issues from his previous Tommy John surgery. Pestano has had to deal with elbow issues off an on the last two years. It forced him to the disabled list this time, but he's not worried. It's possible the setup man could be ready to go once his 15 days are up.

Indians placed RHP Vinnie Pestano on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 29, with right elbow tendinitis. The word on Sunday is that Pestano would likely be available to pitch Monday, but obviously the Indians have decided to play it safe. It's not clear at this point how long he'll be sidelined. Joe Smith and Bryan Shaw will now be Cleveland's primary right-handed setup men ahead of closer Chris Perez.

Vinnie Pestano (elbow) is expected to be available for Monday game against the Athletics. Pestano has been shut down the last two days with a recurring elbow issue he's dealt the last two seasons. The Indians don't believe the injury is serious enough that he'll need to be placed on the disabled list. Pestano has a 2.25 ERA in eight appearances this year and will return to a setup role behind Chris Perez.

Vinnie Pestano (elbow) said he felt better than expected while long-tossing from 120 feet Sunday. There's still no word, though, about whether he'll be placed on the disabled list. "The decisions and everything else are out of my control," Pestano said. The reliever is nursing some elbow soreness, a condition he's had to deal with off and on over the last couple seasons.

The Indians could place Vinnie Pestano (elbow) on the disabled list. Pestano has dealt with a recurring elbow issue over the last two seasons, and it's left him unavailable over the last two days. He was able to play long-toss and throw 15 pitches off the mound Saturday, but he'll wait to see how he feels Sunday morning before a decision is made. Pestano hasn't pitched since Monday, so he could only miss about a week with a backdated DL move.