Fansided

Koji Uehara is available, Shane Victorino scratched from the Boston Red Sox lineup

By David Miniel

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Oct 24, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Koji Uehara (19) throws against the St. Louis Cardinals during the ninth inning of game two of the MLB baseball World Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Koji Uehara (19) throws against the St. Louis Cardinals during the ninth inning of game two of the MLB baseball World Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

I wonder if the Baltimore Orioles and the Texas Rangers are kicking themselves after letting Koji Uehara go.

The American League Championship MVP has seen 10 1/3 innings this season, has given up six hits, one run which was a home run but has struck out 13 with a 1-0 record. Uehara is having the best post-season of his career as this is his third time pitching in the playoffs in just five seasons.

When he was picked up by the Baltimore Orioles, it was sort of a big deal. He picked up 13 saves for the Orioles in 2010 and posted a 2.86 ERA with 55 strike outs a year before he was moved to the Texas Rangers.

Uehara is currently having the best year of his young career. Now Boston’s closer that was once held by Jonathan Papelbonm Koji has pitched in 74 1/3 innings. He’s given up 33 hits for nine earned runs, five home runs and 101 strike outs while recording 21 saves and 13 holds.

Boston’s closer will be available tonight after working just a 1/3 inning during last night’s loss against the Cardinals. According to Alex Speier on Twitter, Red Sox manager John Farrell said that he’s comfortable with Uehara working more than three outs during tonight’s game.

With Uehara available, right fielder Shane Victorino was scratched from tonight’s lineup due to back tightness.

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