The less talked about Japanese import, Hideki Okajima has been equally dominant against Major League hitters. The lefty reliever is a veteran of 12 seasons in Japan’s NPB. In 2006, he posted an ERA of 2.14 over 54.2 innings of work. Over that span he waked 14 and struck out 63. So far, he’s been equally as effective in America. In 6.2 innings of work, Okajima has posted an ERA of 1.35 while walking 1 and striking out 8. The only run he’s given up came on his first major league pitch. He actually threw the ball down and away from Kansas City Royals catcher John Buck but in a fantastic display of power, Buck drove it to dead center field and out of Kauffman Stadium. Okaji has allowed only a single hit since. While the Red Sox may not have quite the same depth in their bullpen that the Yankees enjoy, their back end of the pen has been much better. In Donnelly and Okajima they have a lefty/righty duo of setup men for one of the most dominant closers in the game. The back 3 members of the bullpen currently have an ERA of 0.73 in 12.1 innings of work while walking 2 and striking out 16. Collectively they’ve allowed only 3 hits.
Getting Closer Under the management of former Red Sox outfielder Gabe Kapler, Jon Lester will be making his final rehab start at A this Friday. After which he will be reevaluated and most likely sent to AAA. Depending on his health and success there, Lester could return to the Red Sox as early as the first week of May.
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