Alfredo Aceves Could Lose Closer’s Role After Being Suspended by Team

BOSTON — Alfredo Aceves received a three-game suspension
over the weekend after complaining about not closing a game. Now, the pitcher's full-time
closing role could be in jeopardy the rest of the season.

Before Monday's game against the Royals, Red Sox manager
Bobby Valentine maintained that he hadn't "made that determination"
on whether Aceves would lose the job to Andrew Bailey. But Valentine reiterated
his displeasure with the pitcher's behavior.

"It just deals with being responsible for your
actions and understanding that all actions have consequence," Valentine
said. "It's just a simple rule. Remember, I don't have a lot of rules, but
one of the rules I stated early on is that you don't do anything to embarrass
yourself, your teammates or your organization."

Valentine hasn't spoken with Aceves since issuing the
suspension. When Aceves rejoins the team in Anaheim — on a separate flight,
not the team charter — the skipper plans to use him in the bullpen, one way or
the other.

"I mean he'll be ready to pitch," Valentine
said. "I believe he'll be OK to pitch. I would think that he's working
out. He's a workout fanatic. He's not just sitting around eating
popcorn."

Due to the suspension, Aceves hasn't been around the
Fenway Park premises.

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