With José Mesa and Mike Jackson serving as closers for the Indians, Shuey pitched in middle relief. He spent time on the disabled list in the 1997 season on three separate occasions. In 1998, he led all American League relief pitchers with a .132 (7–for–53) batting average against when the opposition had baserunners in scoring position. His strong performances while healthy gave the Indians hope that Shuey could become their closer in due time. Shuey appeared in four postseasons for the Indians, including in 1998, when he pitched scoreless innings for the Indians in the 1998 American League Championship Series.