By every statistical measure, Red Sox closer, Koji Uehara, has been the best relief pitcher in the American League. In 67 appearances, the most of his career, Uehara has allowed 29 hits over 67 innings and struck out 94 against just nine walks, two them intentional.
Opponents are hitting .126 against Uehara and have only six hits in their last 95 at-bats. His two pitches, a split-finger fastball that dives down as it reaches the plate and a conventional fastball that comes in at 90 miles per hour but looks faster, have been almost unhittable.
Uehara has been perfect in his last 11 games, going 12 innings and retiring all 36 batters he has faced on only 142 pitches. Going back to Aug. 17, he has set down 37 consecutive batters.
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