PT TOMORROW: AL East—Casting call for BOS closer

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

Birdsong and Kim waiting on opportunities for SF and LA; OF PT in ARI; Rockies rookies; and impact of Cronenworth absence in SD
Apr 17 2025 3:05am
Liam Hendriks' impending return could shake up Boston's late-inning mix. Plus, Jonathan Aranda's platoon usage, potential call-ups, and more.
Apr 16 2025 3:05am
With Spencer Arrighetti out for six weeks, the Astros need a 5th starter to produce in the short term.
Apr 15 2025 3:01am
A hot MacKenzie Gore is leading a fair to middling effort by WAS starters to kick off 2025. Plus: SP in ATL; bullpen a PHI; 1B in MIA; more.
Apr 14 2025 3:06am

Tools