DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: AL East—Uehara tightens grip on closer role

Boston Red Sox

When Junichi Tazawa (RHP, BOS) was previously tapped to fill in as the Red Sox closer, the team bypassed  Koji Uehara (RHP, BOS), saying they had to manage his workload. If the Red Sox ever harbored such concerns (and an “F” health grade suggests they should), they appear to be over them, as Uehara notched saves on three straight days June 26-28 in impressive fashion. In each outing, Uehara struck out two without walking a batter or allowing a hit.

Meanwhile, former closer Andrew Bailey (RHP, BOS) has entered games with one-run leads in his last two outings and promptly surrendered those leads, most recently on a solo HR by Edwin Encarnacion (TOR, DH).

One has to figure that the stark contrast cannot help but increase the...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

If JJ Wetherholt can't hang on to the leadoff spot who steps up in St. Louis?
Mar 20 2026 3:07am
Has White Sox prospect Sam Antonacci raised his profile by playing for Team Italy in the WBC? Plus, updates on the CLE rotation, Jace Jung's good spring in DET, lack of SP depth in KC, and Bailey Ober's velocity concerns in MIN.
Mar 19 2026 3:05am
As spring training comes to an end, the A's rotation appears to be rounding into form.
Mar 18 2026 3:07am
First base in Miami has been a hard position to rule for years, but a few players are vying for the crown. Plus: Riley in ATL; RF at NYM; CF in PHI; Littell in WAS; more.
Mar 17 2026 3:07am
Carson Williams has been staking his claim to the starting shortstop job for Tampa Bay, plus more from around the AL East as camps wind down.
Mar 17 2026 3:05am

Tools