The Cleveland Indians won't change the way they use Cody Allen despite a poor performance against the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

Cleveland might use Allen before the ninth inning on occasion, but Terry Francona says he'll remain the closer.

"I might pick some spots like I did the last few weeks, but other than that, we need him," Francona said. "His ERA's higher than he wants it to be. Come the end of the year if we get him on a roll, nobody's going to care."

Allen has a 4.50 ERA this season and 25 saves in 29 opportunities. He has allowed runs in each of his past three appearances and has blown two of his past six save chances.