Allen happy to shift roles to improve bullpen

BALTIMORE — Cody Allen enjoys having the closer label attached to his name within the Indians’ bullpen, but that title is not what matters most to the reliever. With Cleveland in first place and aiming for a spot on the October stage, Allen wants his team in the best position possible to make a run.

If that means adding a premier reliever via trade, or even changing roles to accommodate an addition, Allen said he will be open minded. On Sunday morning, Allen said he has expressed as much in conversations with manager Terry Francona in recent days, as the Aug. 1 non-waiver Trade Deadline looms.

“We’ve talked numerous times,” Allen said. “I’ve always felt the same way. If we have an opportunity to go get an Aroldis Chapman or a Mark Melancon, or somebody at the back end, then the rest of us will slide back. We’ll do what we’ve got to do to kind of give our bullpen some length, because that makes us a better team.

“If you can get a lot more length out of your bullpen, and keep good arms in the game kind of at all times, then go do that.”

With one week to go before the Trade Deadline, bullpen help is Cleveland’s primary need. The Indians have talked to the Yankees about closer Chapman and setup man Andrew Miller, and Brewers lefty Will Smith might also be of interest to the Tribe. Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reported Saturday night that the Yankees appear to be closing in on a trade involving Chapman. The Nationals, Cubs and Giants are also believed …

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