When the Boston Red Sox signed Koji Uehara to a two-year, $18 million deal this offseason they likely weren't expecting him to miss time due to an injury and then experience issues with his velocity. Could the club be exploring a trade for their former closer?
Uehara started the 2015 season on the disabled list and has since made six appearances to accumulate a 2-1 record with a 3.38 ERA, 0.938 WHIP, eight strikeouts and three saves in 5 1/3 innings. With Boston's starting rotation already in shambles, they can't be taking any risks with their bullpen, which ranks 20th in ERA (4.13).
"... we're not sure the Red Sox have a closer they can depend on," writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. "Koji Uehara's velocity is down about 3 miles per hour across the board with his splitter and fastball. The Phillies are trying to hook the Red Sox on bringing back Jonathan Papelbon."
According to fellow Globe reporter Peter Abraham, Uehara's average velocity for his four-seam fastball is 86.1 mph and his split-finger fastball is at just 78.3 mph this season. These numbers are compared to 88 mph and 80.1 mph in 2014 and 89.2 mph and 81 mph in 2013. If concerns continue to grow, could this prompt a move for Papelbon?
Although it was reported earlier this month it was unlikely the Red Sox would pursue a deal for the right-hander, that was only said if Uehara struggled to come back from his strained left hamstring. General manager Ben Cherington could have other ideas in mind after Uehara has clearly struggled with his velocity while Papelbon has five saves to go along with a 1.08 ERA, 0.60 WHIP and nine strikeouts in 8 1/3 innings so far.
On top of that, Papelbon noted earlier in the season that he doesn't feel much like a Phillie and would be mad if he isn't traded if his current team continues to struggle. Boston's bullpen is "starting to get taxed," Cafardo notes, likely because the starting rotation has failed to eat innings or put the team in position to maintain a comfortable lead.
If this trend continues, there's no doubt Uehara and other relievers will be worn out. John Tomase of WEEI.com believes the Red Sox should pull the trigger on Papelbon and help alleviate the potential growing issue right now.
"There is, of course, the question of his contract, since he's due $13 million, with a $13 million option for 2016 that vests if he finishes another 43 games," Tomase writes. "The Red Sox roster construction plan did not include $22 million annually on closers, but there's no reason the Phillies can't foot some of the bill to get Papelbon gone. It shouldn't even take much of a prospect."
After all, the signs are there regarding a Uehara decline. Abraham notes the right-hander has allowed 20 hits and 12 earned runs in his last 12 innings of work dating back to last season. Maybe a package deal for Papelbon and Cole Hamels will help Boston solve two areas of need in one trade.