With the Red Sox falling out of postseason contention, manager John Farrell will not be pushing Tazawa over the final six weeks, the Providence Journal reports.

Farrell tired not to use Tazawa on Friday, which is why he didn't pitch the eighth inning, but he did end up coming on in extra innings.

Red Sox avoided arbitration with RHP Junichi Tazawa by agreeing to a one-year, $1.275 million contract.

Tazawa was arbitration-eligible for the first time and earned a raise after posting a 3.16 with over a strikeout per inning in 2013. He'll serve as Koji Uehara's setup man in 2014.

Junichi Tazawa pitched two scoreless innings for the victory Thursday as the Red Sox came from behind to beat the Rays.

Tazawa needed some work -- he hadn't pitched since giving up a homer in the ninth and taking a loss on Saturday -- so the Red Sox had him come in while down 3-1 in the eighth. He stayed in to pitch the ninth after the team took a 4-3 lead, and he made it stand up for his third win of the year. He still hasn't had a save chance since replacing Joel Hanrahan in the closer's role nine days ago.

Junichi Tazawa gave up a go-ahead homer in Saturday's loss to the Blue Jays.

Tazawa entered the game with the score tied at 2-2, but he gave up a solo blast to Adam Lind to begin the top of the ninth. After allowing just one home run in 44 innings last season, Tazawa has already given up three in 16 1/3 innings this year. We still prefer him over Koji Uehara as the fill-in closer, but Andrew Bailey (biceps) is the best option for the job if healthy.

Red Sox manager John Farrell said on MLB Network Radio on Tuesday that he'd like to use Junichi Tazawa in the closer role and keep Koji Uehara in the eighth inning.

Joel Hanrahan left Monday's game with forearm soreness and is expected to be re-evaluated Tuesday, but he's likely looking at a stint on the disabled list. While many considered Uehara the favorite to fill in at closer, Farrell thinks Tazawa has the velocity and demeanor for the gig. Of course, it's fair to assume that he wants to stay away from leaning on Uehara too heavily. Either way, Tazawa has the goods and should be owned in all fantasy formats.

Junichi Tazawa has a 2.51 ERA and 18/3 K/BB ratio over 14 1/3 innings of work this season.

It's really a continuation of what Tazawa did last season, when he had a brilliant 1.43 ERA and 45/5 K/BB ratio over 44 frames. Koji Uehara is considered the favorite to fill in at closer while Joel Hanrahan (forearm) is sidelined, but the Red Sox will likely be careful about his workload, so don't be surprised if Tazawa also finds himself in the mix. He's worth a speculative stash for fantasy owners in need of saves.

Red Sox recalled RHP Junichi Tazawa from Triple-A Pawtucket.

Tazawa has posted a sparkling 1.37 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 22/2 K/BB ratio across 26 1/3 innigns this season. He should do well down the stretch in a middle relief role.

Red Sox optioned RHP Junichi Tazawa to Triple-A Pawtucket.

The move clears a spot for David Ortiz's return from the disabled list. Tazawa has an excellent 1.37 ERA and 22/2 K/BB ratio over 26 1/3 innings with the Red Sox this season and should return in September.

Red Sox recalled RHP Junichi Tazawa from Triple-A Pawtucket.

Tazawa was unscored upon in five appearances earlier this season with the Sox and boasts a 2.55 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 56/17 K/BB ratio over 42 1/3 innings at Pawtucket. He'll work in middle relief initially but could conceivably find himself in higher-pressurized situations eventually if he pitches well.

Red Sox optioned RHP Junichi Tazawa to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Tazawa didn't allow a run in 6 1/3 innings with Boston, but he was the odd man out with the Red Sox needing some emergency infield depth. Jose Iglesias has been promoted from the minor leagues in a corresponding move.

Junichi Tazawa fanned four in three shutout innings on Thursday, collecting his first save of the season against the White Sox.

It was a terrific performance by a right-hander who has done very little in a Red Sox uniform since being signed before the 2009 season. He threw 37 of 51 pitches for strikes, and yielded two shallow hits while also hitting a batter. He boasts a 0.00 ERA through six innings this season, and given the questionable state of Boston's bullpen, Tazawa could become a more valuable reliever as the season progresses.

Junichi Tazawa faced four batters and got five outs against the Yankees in his 2012 debut Friday.

Tazawa was throwing 93-94 mph today, and if he keeps that up, he could prove to be a very useful part of the Red Sox pen. He needed just 13 pitches to get his five outs.

Red Sox optioned RHP Junichi Tazawa to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Tazawa, 25, is two years removed from Tommy John surgery and posted a 2.51 ERA in 59 2/3 minor league innings. He'll start the year in the minors but remains a candidate to return at some point this season.

Junichi Tazawa will be used exclusively out of the bullpen during spring training.

Tazawa, 25, returned from Tommy John surgery last season and posted a 59 2/3 innings between the minors and majors. The Red Sox haven't ruled out of the possibility of stretching him out as a starter after camp.

Red Sox recalled RHP Junichi Tazawa from Triple-A Pawtucket.

Tazawa hasn't pitched in the big leagues since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April of 2010. The 25-year-old right-hander had a 2.51 ERA and 19/3 K/BB ratio over 14 1/3 innings with the PawSox. He'll likely be used in lower leverage situations initially.

The Red Sox are making plans to promote right-hander Junichi Tazawa from Triple-A Pawtucket.

Finally recovered from Tommy John surgery, Tazawa struck out 19 batters and walked just three in 14 1/3 August innings at the Triple-A level. He'll probably be limited to low-pressure situations in the early going.

Junichi Tazawa has been promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Tazawa, who will pitch out of the bullpen with Pawtucket, holds a 5.31 ERA in 42 2/3 innings at High- and Double-A as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. It's possible he could make it up to the Sox next month, but he'll need to start getting better results.

Junichi Tazawa allowed six runs in less than an inning Monday in his first start for Double-A Portland.

Tazawa was activated from the 60-day disabled list on Monday afternoon after a year-long recovery from Tommy John surgery. It's going to take him another few months to get back to 100 percent health.

Red Sox activated RHP Junichi Tazawa from the 60-day disabled list; optioned him to Double-A Portland.

Tazawa has been pitching in minor league games since the end of May and is almost fully recovered from last year's Tommy John surgery. He could return to the big leagues later this summer if he proves capable of dominating batters on the farm over the next few weeks.

Junichi Tazawa (elbow) allowed four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out two over four innings in his first rehab start with High-A Salem Friday.

He reportedly topped out at 87 mph on the radar gun. Tazawa is working his way back from Tommy John surgery and will be optioned to an undetermined minor league affiliate once his 30 days are up. He hopes to contribute to the Red Sox sometime in the second half.