PT TOMORROW: AL East—Casting call for BOS closer
Aug 16 2015
Boston Red Sox
Despite reports that Jean Machi (RHP, BOS) would get the first chance to close games for the Red Sox in the absence of Koji Uehara (RHP, BOS), the first actual opportunity went to Junichi Tazawa (RHP, BOS), who promptly blew it (1 IP, 1 ER, 2 H). The performance continued a stretch in which Tazawa has been quite hittable (5 1/3 IP, 10 H, 5 ER in last five outings). Otherwise, Tazawa’s skills would seem to make him the team’s best option in the ninth inning, as detailed by Playing Time Today analyst Matt Dodge.
Machi's performance in a Red Sox uniform has been OK: 5 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 K. But, as Dodge noted, his larger body of work hardly screams "closer." The distance is growing between Machi and his 2013 Dom, and a 9%...
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
This week, we check in on late-season closer options in both L.A. and Colorado, watch as new playing time changes become clearer in S.F. and S.D., and welcome some guys to (or back to) the majors.
Aug 22 2026 3:07am
Aug 22 2026 3:07am
With Dansby Swanson dealing with an oblique issue, Ramírez should see regular at bats.
Aug 21 2026 3:05am
Aug 21 2026 3:05am
Despite a stellar performance at Triple-A, Walker Jenkins just can't seem to get a call-up from the Twins. Plus, Sam Antonacci and Michael Massey facing lefties, Angel Martínez's playing time crunch in CLE, and Kerry Carpenter's extended absence in DET.
Aug 20 2026 3:05am
Aug 20 2026 3:05am
The A's have been ravaged by season-ending injuries, and the lingering shoulder injury for Jacob Wilson could lead to more shakeups on the roster.
Aug 19 2026 3:05am
Aug 19 2026 3:05am
Tyler O'Neill's recent production has led to an increase in at-bats, but significant concerns cloud his ability to stay in the lineup. Plus, a trio of injury rehabbers in BOS, OF in TB, and more.
Aug 18 2026 3:05am
Aug 18 2026 3:05am
