Junichi Tazawa Back With Sox

The Red Sox have activated righthander Junichi Tazawa from the 15-day disabled list, providing some much-needed relief to its relief corps.

Tazawa was placed on the DL July 14, retroactive to July 4, with a right shoulder impingement. He is 1-1 with a 3.62 ERA this season, striking out 37 in 32 1/3 innings.

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His return couldn't come at a better time for Boston, which despite having strong bullpen numbers since the All-Star break is missing late-inning reliever Koji Uehara and closer Craig Kimbrel with injuries. Recently acquired Brad Ziegler has been closing in their absence.

The Red Sox optioned Noe Ramirez back to Triple A Pawtucket to make room for Tazawa.

Photo courtesy of Keith Allison via Flickr