The last thing the Indians need right now is controversy. Cleveland closer Chris Perez knows this as much as anyone inside the clubhouse, considering what is at stake and the fact that only three games remain guaranteed on the schedule.

In the aftermath of Thursday's 6-5 victory over the Twins -- a win nearly derailed by a disastrous ninth inning from Perez -- the embattled closer stopped by the office of manager Terry Francona. With one of the American League's two Wild Cards within reach for Cleveland, Francona might be forced to make a change with the closer's role.

Perez let his manager know ahead of time that he understands.

"You never make decisions five minutes after a game," Francona said. "He popped his head in here after the game and was actually really good about it. He was like, 'Hey, I don't want to cost us games, because I'm not locating.' We'll figure it out."

Thursday's appearance for Perez was supposed to be a confidence builder.