Koji Uehara’s Opening Day status hangs in the balance.
Uehara, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury, hasn’t pitched in a spring training game since March 14. And now, according to Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell, the veteran closer might not be ready for the team’s season opener against the Philadelphia Phillies on April 6.
“I think with each passing day he’s not in a game, there’s growing concern — concern in the sense, ‘Will he be ready for April 6,’ ” Farrell told reporters in Jupiter Fla., before Tuesday’s Grapefruit League game against the Miami Marlins. “And we’re just working through that.”
Uehara has been noncommittal to this point when asked whether he’ll be ready for Opening Day. Farrell, meanwhile, had expressed confidence before reversing course Tuesday, which speaks to the uncertainty of the situation.
Uehara said upon suffering the injury he probably wouldn’t need to appear in any more Grapefruit League games before being deemed ready for the regular season. It doesn’t appear the Red Sox are willing to go down that road, though.
“I think it’s important to see him in games, to evaluate the stuff,” Farrell said Tuesday. “For Koji himself to understand what he has in the moment and what he goes to the mound with from a physical standpoint.”
Uehara, who turns 40 on April 3, played long toss Tuesday. The hope is he’ll throw a bullpen session later this week.
If Uehara isn’t ready for the start of the regular season, Edward Mujica likely would fill in as Boston’s closer, according to Farrell. Alexi Ogando is another potential option.
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
