Junichi Tazawa has a 2.51 ERA and 18/3 K/BB ratio over 14 1/3 innings of work this season. It's really a continuation of what Tazawa did last season, when he had a brilliant 1.43 ERA and 45/5 K/BB ratio over 44 frames. Koji Uehara is considered the favorite to fill in at closer while Joel Hanrahan (forearm) is sidelined, but the Red Sox will likely be careful about his workload, so don't be surprised if Tazawa also finds himself in the mix. He's worth a speculative stash for fantasy owners in need of saves.

Red Sox recalled RHP Junichi Tazawa from Triple-A Pawtucket. Tazawa has posted a sparkling 1.37 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 22/2 K/BB ratio across 26 1/3 innigns this season. He should do well down the stretch in a middle relief role.

Red Sox optioned RHP Junichi Tazawa to Triple-A Pawtucket. The move clears a spot for David Ortiz's return from the disabled list. Tazawa has an excellent 1.37 ERA and 22/2 K/BB ratio over 26 1/3 innings with the Red Sox this season and should return in September.

Red Sox recalled RHP Junichi Tazawa from Triple-A Pawtucket. Tazawa was unscored upon in five appearances earlier this season with the Sox and boasts a 2.55 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 56/17 K/BB ratio over 42 1/3 innings at Pawtucket. He'll work in middle relief initially but could conceivably find himself in higher-pressurized situations eventually if he pitches well.

Red Sox optioned RHP Junichi Tazawa to Triple-A Pawtucket. Tazawa didn't allow a run in 6 1/3 innings with Boston, but he was the odd man out with the Red Sox needing some emergency infield depth. Jose Iglesias has been promoted from the minor leagues in a corresponding move.

Junichi Tazawa fanned four in three shutout innings on Thursday, collecting his first save of the season against the White Sox. It was a terrific performance by a right-hander who has done very little in a Red Sox uniform since being signed before the 2009 season. He threw 37 of 51 pitches for strikes, and yielded two shallow hits while also hitting a batter. He boasts a 0.00 ERA through six innings this season, and given the questionable state of Boston's bullpen, Tazawa could become a more valuable reliever as the season progresses.

Junichi Tazawa faced four batters and got five outs against the Yankees in his 2012 debut Friday. Tazawa was throwing 93-94 mph today, and if he keeps that up, he could prove to be a very useful part of the Red Sox pen. He needed just 13 pitches to get his five outs.

Red Sox optioned RHP Junichi Tazawa to Triple-A Pawtucket. Tazawa, 25, is two years removed from Tommy John surgery and posted a 2.51 ERA in 59 2/3 minor league innings. He'll start the year in the minors but remains a candidate to return at some point this season.

Junichi Tazawa will be used exclusively out of the bullpen during spring training. Tazawa, 25, returned from Tommy John surgery last season and posted a 59 2/3 innings between the minors and majors. The Red Sox haven't ruled out of the possibility of stretching him out as a starter after camp.

Red Sox recalled RHP Junichi Tazawa from Triple-A Pawtucket. Tazawa hasn't pitched in the big leagues since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April of 2010. The 25-year-old right-hander had a 2.51 ERA and 19/3 K/BB ratio over 14 1/3 innings with the PawSox. He'll likely be used in lower leverage situations initially.