Indians closer Chris Perez not speaking to reporters, manager Terry Francona not concerned

8/6/2013
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Chris Perez entered the ninth Monday with a 2-0 lead and took the loss 4-2.
Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Chris Perez entered the ninth Monday with a 2-0 lead and took the loss 4-2.

CLEVELAND — Indians manager Terry Francona is downplaying closer Chris Perez’s choice not to speak with local reporters.

Perez ducked the media following Monday’s night’s 4-2 loss to Detroit after he gave up four runs in the ninth inning. Francona said “in a perfect world” his players would speak following games, but he wasn’t concerned about Perez’s media blackout being a distraction to the Indians.

Francona said Perez’s decision not to talk is a “personal choice, but I think we try to foster an environment where guys are accountable.”

A two-time All-Star, Perez was arrested earlier this season on misdemeanor drug charges. Approached before today’s game, Perez said: “I’m not talking the rest of the year. Quit asking.”

Francona said Perez did stop by his office after Monday’s loss and said, “I just blew the game.”