Red Sox place Uehara on DL with pectoral strain

Boston Red Sox president Dave Dombrowski may need to swing another deal before the trade deadline.

With All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel sidelined following knee surgery, the Red Sox placed interim closer Koji Uehara on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a right pectoral strain. Noe Ramirez was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket in a corresponding move.

Uehara moved back into the closer's role when Kimbrel went down earlier this month, but departed Tuesday's game in the ninth inning after grabbing his chest following a pitch. He alerted the Red Sox training staff and was immediately removed.

Recently acquired right-hander Brad Ziegler will likely slide into the closer's role until Kimbrel or Uehara return.

The Red Sox are expected to get some bullpen help soon, with Junichi Tazawa slated to come off the DL at some point this week. The team could also look to recall Joe Kelly, who has had success in the minors since being converted to a reliever.