Koji Uehara Injury Lands Him On Disabled List

The Red Sox now need a replacement closer for their replacement closer.

Boston has placed Koji Uehara on the disabled list Wednesday afternoon with a right pectoral strain, one day after the righthander left a win over San Francisco in the ninth inning.

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Noe Ramirez was recalled from Triple A Pawtucket take Uehara's roster spot. The question is, who will take Uehara's place?

Uehara moved back into the closer role with Craig Kimbrel and Junichi Tazawa on the disabled list. John Farrell on Wednesday said Brad Ziegler will assume closing duties.

Ziegler had 18 saves this year in Arizona and a career-high 30 in 2015. While the 36-year-old righthander is accustomed to the role, it's not the one the Red Sox envisioned when trading for him earlier this month.

The move leaves no pitchers with an American League save this season in the Sox bullpen. Tommy Layne has three career saves and Robbie Ross Jr. has six. Heath Hembree has emerged as a flame-throwing force with an ERA of 1.96 and 35 strikeouts in 36 2/3 innings, but he's got no major league closing experience.

Former starter Joe Kelly, who has been pitching in the bullpen in the minor leagues, could be called up soon to add some depth, and Tazawa is expected to return in time for the weekend.