Marlins' Bell again loses closer's role

The Miami Marlins started the second half of the season without a set closer.

The Marlins gave Heath Bell a $27 million contract to be their closer, but he has lost that job for the second time this year because of chronic struggles.

Bell, who finished the first half with six blown saves in 25 chances, got the news from manager Ozzie Guillen before the Marlins started the second half of the season with a 5-1 loss to Washington. Guillen kept to his word Saturday and had Steve Cishek get the final five outs in a 2-1 win. Guillen did not rule out using Bell again but he said Bell would have to earn his way back into that job.

Meanwhile, RHP Juan Carlos Oviedo was shut down because of elbow pain after facing three batters in a rehab game with Class AAA New Orleans on Saturday. Oviedo was on his way to Miami on Sunday to be examined by doctors.

The Marlins were hoping Oviedo would give them another option at the back of the bullpen starting July 23, when he is eligible to resume action after completing an eight-week suspension.

Oviedo saved 92 games for the Marlins from 2009-11 while playing under the fake name Leo Nunez. He had made two appearances this month for Class A Jupiter (Fla.).