Just as 41-year-old reliever Koji Uehara recovered his former role as the closer of the Boston Red Sox following the discovery of torn cartilage in All-Star Craig Kimbrel's left knee, the injury bug proceeded to strip the Japan native of his duties once again.
Koji Uehara to be sidelined for one month
After uncorking a rare slider in the ninth inning of Tuesday's 4-0 Red Sox win over the National League-leading San Francisco Giants, Uehara tore his right pectoral muscle, landing on the disabled list retroactive to Wednesday afternoon. Unfortunately for Boston, Uehara released the news today that the injury will likely sideline him for approximately one month.
This puts the Red Sox in a precarious situation already having to cope with the unavailability of offseason acquisition Kimbrel for three to six weeks prior to Uehara's injury. In 39 appearances thus far in 2016, the $9 million man and 2013 ALCS MVP had compiled a 2-3 record to accompany a 4.50 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, 12 holds, and six saves in eight tries.
Junichi Tazawa to be re-activated, Brad Ziegler takes over closing role
Uehara tested positive for the injury after undergoing MRI's on his right pectoral muscle on Wednesday afternoon, leading manager John Farrell to promote right-hander Noe Ramirez, the owner of a 6.55 ERA in 11 major league appearances in 2016. Despite the call-up, the extent of Ramirez's stint will likely be short-lived as reliever Junichi Tazawa has been around the Red Sox clubhouse throughout the week in preparation for a return to the bullpen from a shoulder injury that placed him on the 15-day disabled list.
With Tazawa probable to be re-activated prior to Boston's tilt against the Minnesota Twins on Friday, this leaves Farrell with a multitude of setup options for interim closer Brad Ziegler, acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks two weeks ago.
Ziegler saved 18 games in 20 tries while with the Diamondbacks this season, garnering a 2.82 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP in 42.1 innings of work. In four appearances in Boston since being shipped east, the eight-year veteran has allowed just a single hit while striking out a pair of batters in four shutout innings.
He will assume closing duties while Kimbrel and Uehara recover from their ailments, with left-handers Tommy Layne and Robbie Ross Jr. potentially receiving spot duty in the ninth inning as well should the opposition display a lefty dominated lineup in the later innings.