Boston Red Sox[edit]
On December 6, 2012, Uehara agreed to a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox.[7] Uehara transitioned his role from setup man to closer after season ending injuries to Andrew Bailey and Joel Hanrahan.[8] On September 12, 2013, Uehara retired his 34th consecutive batter. It was also his 29th consecutive scoreless inning. [9] He ultimately retired 37 consecutive batters before allowing a triple to Danny Valencia on September 17, 2013. His 2013 WHIP (a measure roughly approximating baserunners allowed) of 0.57 in 74.1 innings set the record for a pitcher with 50 or more innings pitched.
On October 19, 2013 Uehara recorded a save in game 6 of the American League Championship Series to win the Boston Red Sox their 13th AL Pennant, and was subsequently named ALCS Most Valuable Player. He participated in 5 games, earning a win in one and saving three others.[10] In Game 5 of the World Series he tied the record for most saves in one postseason, recording his 7th to tie John Wetteland, Robb Nen, Troy Percival, and Brad Lidge.[11]
Uehara threw the final pitch in the 2013 World Series, closing out the 6–1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 6 at Fenway Park, Boston. During Boston's post-win celebrations on the field, David Ortiz playfully lifted Uehara over his shoulder after games five and six.[12]
