Andrew Bailey activated from DL, Jose De La Torre optioned to Triple-A

After completing his one rehab appearance over the weekend while with Triple-A Pawtucket, Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey has been activated from the disabled list in time for the series opener against the Chicago White Sox. Jose De La Torre, who was originally placed on the 40-man roster and called up to replace Joel Hanrahan's roster spot, was the corresponding move, as he was optioned back to Pawtucket.

Bailey will resume his closer duties, taking over for Junichi Tazawa, who never even had a save opportunity during his time as closer pro tempore during the dual absences of both Bailey and Hanrahan. At first, it was because the Red Sox were losing, but during this road trip, it's been because they were winning. Now he's back in the setup role that he was meant to be in, alongside Koji Uehara (who, oddly enough, did pick up a save during Tazawa's time as closer).

It's very possible that Bailey is Boston's best reliever, so having him back is no small thing. If he can lock down the ninth and stay healthy the rest of the way, and the combination of Koji and Tazawa are there for the preceding innings, then good things should happen to the Red Sox once the starters are out. It's not completely like they wrote it up this off-season, now that Hanrahan is gone, but it's close enough to get the job done.