The Red Sox have officially reinstated Koji Uehara from the 15-day disabled list, and have also recalled catcher Christian Vazquez and pitchers Heath Hembree and Noe Ramirez from Triple-A Pawtucket.
Uehara went on the disabled list July 20 because of a right pectoral strain. Serving as both a set-up man and closer in 2016, Uehara has a 4.50 ERA through 36 innings. His big issue has been the long ball, as he's given up eight home runs in 39 appearances.
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Vazquez served primarily as Boston’s starting catcher from April 15 until July 2, when Sandy Leon took his job, and he was sent to Pawtucket on July 4. In 51 games with Boston, Vazquez was 37-for-164 (.226) with 12 RBI, striking out 37 times.
Hembree’s promotion marks his fourth stint with the Sox this season. The righty’s overall numbers in Boston have been respectable, as he's struck out a career-best 36 batters in 41 1/3 innings and has a 2.40 ERA. His big problem has been left-handed hitters, who are hitting .365 against him this year (right-handers are batting .204).
Ramirez now has been on the Sox' active roster seven times this year. The side-winding righty has been a disappointment, posting a 6.55 ERA after showing serious signs of promise in spring training.
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