Koji Uehara isn’t planning his farewell tour just yet.
Uehara, whose 2015 season ended prematurely because of a broken wrist, will turn 41 before Opening Day, but the Boston Red Sox reliever indicated Tuesday he still has no plans to retire.
No retirement plans for @TeamUehara. "I will keep pitching unless I am terrible and no team wants me." Then he started laughing
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) February 16, 2016
Uehara will earn $9 million in 2016, the second year of a two-year, $18 million contract he signed before the 2015 season. He’ll enter this season in a different role, though, as the Red Sox acquired All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel from the San Diego Padres back in November, bumping Uehara to setup duty.
The good news for Boston is that Uehara is cool with his new job, and he’s apparently ready to roll, having recovered from the broken wrist he suffered last August when he was struck by a line drive.
Koji also said his wrist is fine. He has already thrown off the mound. Also no problem with going to the 8th inning. #redsox
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) February 16, 2016
Uehara’s sense of humor already is in midseason form, too.
On turning 41 in April and being one of the oldest players in the majors. @TeamUehara said: "Age is a number. Bring me a present that day."
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) February 16, 2016
Thumbnail photo via Dan Hamilton/USA TODAY Sports Images
