Projo Sox Blog

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

NEW YORK -- Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon has not worked in a game since the right-hander recorded his 24th save of the season on June 27 at Houston. There just hasn't been a situation where he was needed since that point and he's very eager to get in there.

"I'm just on vacation, man," he said this morning. "They're letting me take a break. I've been through this so many times and I'm able to stay sharp with my normal stuff. There will be a time when I pitched a bunch of games in a row and it all evens out."

He's been up a couple of times during recent games, but he hasn't been needed.

"We would certainly like to pitch him," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "If there's rust, it's been taken off because he's thrown in the bullpen and has gotten up to where he was hot. A game is better than throwing in the bullpen."

 Tags  Jonathan Papelbon Red Sox Terry Francona

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