Bailey Sharp in PawSox Rehab

It took Andrew Bailey a mere 11 pitches (eight strikes) to retire the side in order Wednesday night at McCoy Stadium in his first rehab appearance with the PawSox

The former American League All-Star and Rookie of the Year hit 94 mph twice with the second time coming on a swinging strike three to end the inning.

The Red Sox acquired Bailey, and his Oakland teammate Ryan Sweeney, on December 28, 2011 in exchange for outfielder Josh Reddick and minor leaguers Miles Head and Raul Alcantara. Bailey was the highlight of the deal from Boston’s perspective and was scheduled to be the Red Sox Opening Day closer, replacing the recently departed Jonathan Papelbon.

Bailey is lighter these days without the cast on his thumb and arm. Eager to get to Boston, the right-hander has at least 24 saves in each of his first three Major League seasons. (Kelly O’Connor)

With the Red Sox bullpen in good shape, what role Bailey will have upon his arrival in Boston is a fair question.

“It’s not important if I close this year. I just want to help the team and achieve that goal of getting to the playoffs. Wherever they see fit is what I’m going to do,” Bailey told Pawtucket Times reporter, Brendan McGair (@BWMcGair03) after Wednesday’s outing.

“Obviously closing is what I love doing, but pitching in the big leagues is the ultimate goal.”

Bailey has been on the disabled list the entire season after damaging his thumb during a collision with Pittsburgh’s Alex Presley during a late Spring Training game. The injury required surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament.

Bailey is expected to pitch Thursday in the series finale against the Chiefs. If he does, it would mark the first time this season Bailey would pitch in back-to-back days.

-AG

@aaronmgoldsmith
agoldsmith@pawsox.com