Koji Uehara’s return to the Boston Red Sox couldn’t come at a more fitting time.
Uehara, who hasn’t pitched since April 9 because of shoulder tightness, is available for Thursday’s series finale against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field, according to Red Sox manager John Farrell. The energetic closer didn’t complete his recovery a minute too soon, either, as Thursday marks National High Five Day.
That’s right, Red Sox fans. Uehara — Boston’s king of high fives — could return to action on the third Thursday in April, which has been labeled National High Five Day since 2002. The occasion could become extra special for the Red Sox if their prized closer dishes out a few of his trademark high fives after nailing down a second consecutive Boston win.
Uehara’s enthusiasm is unmatched. The 39-year-old became extremely popular during the Red Sox’s 2013 World Series run because of his incredible ninth-inning dominance and his infectious personality. Even though Uehara requires a Japanese translator, a high five is universal across all languages, and no one doles out a good hand slap better than Koji.
Check out some of Koji’s best high-five moments at the links below.
