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

Heston Kjerstad could be the beneficiary of Anthony Santander's pending free agency in BAL. Plus, hitters vying for 2025 playing time for TAM and TOR, and the effects of pending free agencies for BOS and NYY.
Sep 17 2024 3:10am
A look around the division with some questions for next year, including the Kansas City rotation and shortstop in Detroit.
Sep 13 2024 3:10am
MIL could have a new look infield, CHC still hasn't solved its problem at 3B, two situations to monitor in STL, coming full circle in CIN, and RF and 1B remain a problem in PIT.
Sep 12 2024 3:06am
Taking an early look at NL West rosters and the potential impact of free agent departures.
Sep 11 2024 6:54am

Tools