Koji Uehara Injury: Updates on Red Sox Pitcher's Pectoral and Return

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Koji Uehara suffered a strained pectoral muscle Tuesday night during the club's game against the San Francisco Giants and has been placed on the disabled list. It's unclear when he will return to the field.

Continue for updates.

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Uehara Comments on Return Timeline

Thursday, July 21 

According to Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe, Uehara told reporters he expects to be out for a month.

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Uehara Placed on DL

Wednesday, July 20

Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reported the Red Sox recalled relief pitcher Noe Ramirez from Triple-A Pawtucket to replace Uehara on the active roster.

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Uehara Provides Red Sox With Bullpen Stability

Uehara registered a 1.86 ERA and 72 saves across his first three seasons with the Red Sox. The team still couldn't pass up the opportunity to add flamethrower Craig Kimbrel during the offseason, but his trip to the disabled list had pushed Uehara back into the closer role.

The 41-year-old reliever's health has been an issue in recent seasons. He was limited to 43 appearances in 2015 before a wrist injury ended his season early. He also missed time during spring training this year while dealing with general soreness.

The Red Sox will probably use a wide-ranging committee approach to fill the high-leverage situations with Uehara out. Robbie Ross Jr. and the recently acquired Brad Ziegler figure to see the most work in those key spots for the time being.

Uehara should slide back into his usual spot in the pecking order once he's back to full strength. The Red Sox will hope he can avoid further setbacks, because the bullpen loses valuable depth when he's not available.