air jordans-Sox's Reed still Ventura's top option to close games

DETROIT — Manager Robin Ventura left some wiggle room Sunday in the event he wants more than one option for the closer's role.

One day after acquiring veteran reliever Brett Myers, Ventura said he would opt for the best matchup to start the ninth inning in save situations.

"It's always that way, but (Addison) Reed pretty much is going to get it most of the time," Ventura said.

Meanwhile, Myers didn't arrive in Detroit until after 4 a.m. Sunday because of flight delays in Phoenix, but he was eager to join a playoff contender after enduring a rebuilding program in Houston.

"Whenever they call my number, I'll be ready," said Myers, who warmed up in the ninth inning of Sunday's 6-4 loss to the Tigers. "It doesn't matter. That's what I'm here for."

Eye on Peavy: The bright colors on A.J. Pierzynski's left fingertips haven't been enough to help the vision of Jake Peavy, who was called for a balk Friday while leaning in to see the signals.

Peavy said he wears contact lenses but is afflicted with astigmatism.

"We have made progress, but my vision is only 20/40," Peavy said. "They made me special contacts with something like bifocals in the contacts. But at night, when it gets dark, I've had problems."

Peavy said he started to experience vision problems after the fifth inning and was called for a balk in the seventh that led to an insurance run.

Peavy added that sometimes two fingers may be signaled differently and will indicate different pitches, but that he has crossed up the catcher on occasion because he saw only one of the fingers.

"A.J. has stuff all over his hands," Peavy said. "We just try to do the best we can. We're trying to find a happy medium. There's no excuse. I was in too big of a hurry (Friday). I have to stay under control and understand that's going to happen. I'm sure (Pierzynski) gets frustrated. But he understands there's nothing we can do."

Extra innings: Despite retiring all five batters in two appearances, left-hander Donnie Veal was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte. ... Pitcher John Danks hopes to resume throwing off a mound soon after reporting his left shoulder feels better after throwing from 120 feet.