Indians put Borowski on DL; Betancourt likely to take over as closer

If he could, he'd keep pitching.

"It's tough to admit it, but rest is probably the best thing to do, not do anything for several days and just relax," he said. "More times than not it does work itself out. It's just being stubborn."

Borowski signed as a free agent with Cleveland in 2006 after making 36 saves the previous year for Florida. The Indians picked up his $4 million option shortly after the season, one in which he walked a tight rope during many of his saves.

Wedge expects Borowski to move back into the closer's role once he's healthy.

As he warmed up on Monday night, Borowski knew his velocity wasn't good. But he wanted to take on the Red Sox anyway.

"It's like you're still a competitor and you're fighting through it," he said. "Even if I had gone 1-2-3, I think I would have talked to the trainer."

Wedge, too, wanted to let Borowski see if he could pull off another daring escape.

"He's gotten out of worse than that," Wedge said.

Right-hander Tom Mastny, who spent last season with Cleveland but was edged out of a bullpen slot in spring training, was called up from Triple-A Buffalo to assume Borowski's roster spot.