Red Sox Demote Andrew Bailey, Name Koji Uehara New Closer - East Idaho News
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Red Sox Demote Andrew Bailey, Name Koji Uehara New Closer

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Getty MLB Logo?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1371926432634Brian D. Kersey/Getty Images(DETROIT) — The Boston Red Sox struggles at the back-end of their bullpen continues as they’ve demoted Andrew Bailey, and will use reliever Koji Uehara as their new closer.

The team made the decision after Bailey blew his third save in his last five opportunities. Just two weeks ago, Bailey’s ERA stood at an impressive 1.47. But since then, it has swelled all the way to 4.03. He has eight saves this season, and four blown saves.

“It’s just kind of giving me a little breather,” Bailey said on Friday. “It’s understandable for sure. I wasn’t doing the job, and I totally get it. One bad week doesn’t necessarily make a bad year. The way I was throwing the ball at the beginning, then I missed some time, having a rough go at it right now. Doesn’t mean its’ been a bad year by any chance.”

Meanwhile, Uehara will now get a chance to take hold of the team’s closer role. In 32 appearances this season, Uehara has a 2.10 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP. Back in 2010, he saved 13 games while with the Baltimore Orioles.

Joel Hanrahan was originally the team’s closer after he was acquired in an offseason trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates. But Hanrahan pitched in just nine games before having to undergo Tommy John Surgery.

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