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

For our final PT Tomorrow NL East column of 2026, we look past mañana and into the offseason and beyond--then stop for a well-earned rest.
Sep 25 2026 10:03am
As the 2026 season winds down, these players are just getting started
Sep 18 2026 3:05am
The AL West has some interesting options for some new playing time heading into 2027.
Sep 17 2026 3:03am
A slugging Yohandy Morales tries to pound out a spot for himself on the 2026 Nationals and beyond. Plus: SS in ATL; bench in PHI; Marsee in MIA; Tong at NYM; more.
Sep 15 2026 10:05am
This week, we point out an under-the-radar option in L.A., welcome starting pitchers back to Arizona and San Diego, check in on a favorite of ours in Colorado, and take a closer look at the Giants' starting rotation.
Sep 12 2026 3:05am

Tools