PLAYING TIME: With Bailey on the mend, Aceves' job at risk

 AMERICAN LEAGUE

Will Bailey reclaim closer role?

Contrary to previous reports that pegged his return closer to the end of August, the news out of Boston suggests that Andrew Bailey (RHP, BOS) will be activated this week, perhaps as early as today.  Bailey will make his 2012 debut after an entire year on the DL (torn thumb ligament), and a successful minor league stint—6.1 IP, one run, 10/1 K/BB—without any lingering physical issues.

Bailey was acquired from OAK during the off-season to be the Red Sox closer, a job taken over in his absence by Alfredo Aceves (RHP, BOS).  The early word out of Boston is that Aceves will continue to be the closer for the time being, but how long is this likely to last?

Aceves  IP  ERA ...

Almost!

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