Race to 25: Update on the Red Sox Roster Battles

Sep 9, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Joe Kelly (56) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Joe Kelly (56) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
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Jul 24, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Koji Uehara (19) pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Eighth Inning Set-up Man

Although many assume Koji Uehara will move from the ninth to the eighth inning this season, it is likely those people do not know who Carson Smith is.  Smith was one of the best relievers in all of baseball last year and given he is more familiar with the eighth inning than Uehara, who knows where John Farrell may decide to pitch the two of them.

Regardless of how it sets up, the Red Sox will be tough to hit in the 7th, 8th and 9th innings, if all three are healthy at the start of the season.

What happened this week?

Uehara has yet to appear as he is not yet ready for game action, while Smith registered a 1-2-3 inning in his only appearance this Spring.

Next: Red Sox Reporter Resigns

Who won the week?

By default, Carson Smith.

Schedule