Tazawa entered Sunday's game with Boston trailing, 8-1, in the sixth inning and gave up two runs on three hits in a 10-5 loss to the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

It's odd to see Tazawa, who has been an eighth-inning staple since 2013, pitching in such a low-leverage situation, but his performance of late has removed him from the higher leverage spots. Manager John Farrell said as much after Tazawa's outing last Tuesday, after the reliever allowed three runs without getting an out. The manager told Tim Britton of the Providence Journal that Tazawa is behind others in the bullpen for high-leverage spots.

Tazawa entered Thursday's game in the eighth inning and allowed three runs on three hits while not registering an out in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

It was another crushing loss for the Red Sox, who were looking to steal the afternoon game after getting into Detroit at 4:00 AM. A combination of Tazawa and Brad Ziegler gave up a 3-1 lead and leaves manager John Farrell few options when navigating the late innings. Matt Barnes was not available, so it down to Tazawa or Ziegler -- neither player with a good history against the hitters due up. This may be the motivation the team needs to make an offer that free agent Jonathan Papelbon ca't refuse. Meanwhile, just two weeks ago, the Red Sox were touting Tazawa has a late-inning staple after a five-game scoreless streak, but his fortunes have turned. Thursday's performance was the third in the last four games in which he's allowed runs. The once reliable setup man is carrying the baggage of a 4.62 ERA and appears to have tired for a third straight season.

Tazawa will remain an important late-inning reliever even as the Red Sox reshaped the bullpen over the last month, Tim Britton of the Providence Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

Since coming off the disabled list, Tazawa as fired four scoreless innings -- most recently, he recorded a key out in Monday night's win when he struck out Nelson Cruz. His ability to pitch against both right-handers and left-handers makes him a useful part of the pen, and now he's ready to be used in back-to-back games if needed.

The Red Sox have activated Tazawa (shoulder) from the disabled list on Friday, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tazawa, who owns a 3.62 ERA with 37 strikeouts in 32.1 innings, will rejoin the Red Sox bullpen on Friday. He will most likely be slotted into the eighth inning role as Craig Kimbrel and Koji Uehara are currently on the disabled list. Tazawa could potentially see some save chances for the time being if recently acquired reliever Brad Ziegler struggles in that same role.

Tazawa threw a simulated game Tuesday, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

After his latest workout, the expectation is that Tazawa will be activated Friday. Before the All-Star break, Tazawa had been serving as one of Boston's primary setup men, as he'd picked up a team-high 14 holds. He'd also been a solid source of strikeouts, striking out 29 percent of the batters he faced.

Tazawa (shoulder) threw a 40-pitch bullpen session Sunday and is expected to throw a simulated game Tuesday, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports. MacPherson suggests that the activation could come as early as Thursday if all goes well.

EDGE Analysis

After a down year in 2015, Tazawa's 2016 numbers have progressed closer towards the norm, having posted a 3.62 ERA and a 37:8 K/BB ratio on the campaign. He should add another quality arm to the Red Sox's bullpen as they continue to jostle with the Orioles and Blue Jays in the AL East as the second half begins.

Tazawa (shoulder) is expected to be activated from the DL when eligible, Evan Drellich of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

With his stint backdated to July 4, Tazawa can return as soon as Monday, and manager John Farrell seems to have no doubt about the right-hander's ability to make that date. Tazawa turned in a strong first half and has been especially valuable in leagues that count holds (14 holds), but it's unlikely he'll be in the mix for saves with Koji Uehara tabbed as Craig Kimbrel's temporary replacement in the ninth inning.

Tazawa (shoulder) threw out to 120 feet Thursday, Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reports. The right-hander was shut down July 3 and was placed on the disabled list Thursday, retroactive to July 4.

EDGE Analysis

Tazawa is eligible to come off the DL as soon as next Tuesday, something that is possible, but the club won't push his return. Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Tazawa should be back by the end of an upcoming homestand, which begins July 19 and runs through the 27th.

Tazawa (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tazawa has been dealing with a shoulder impingement since before the All-Star break, but because he hasn't pitched since July 3, he'll be eligible to return from the disabled list early next week. His placement on the disabled list opened a spot on the roster for William Cuevas, who owns a 3.38 ERA at Triple-A Pawtucket this season.

Tazawa (shoulder) is going through some treatment and is not expected to be placed on the disabled list, Julian Benbow of the Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager John Farrell said the team's medical staff is indicating there isn't a need for an MRI at this point, but that could change. He certainly won't be pitching Sunday, the final game before the All-Star break, so any set up work will be handed by a combination of the newly acquired Brad Ziegler and Matt Barnes.