Koji Uehara (hamstring) 'not likely' to be ready for Opening Day

Boston Red Sox closer Koji Uehara is "not likely" to be ready for Opening Day due to a hamstring injury, manager John Farrell told reporters Sunday.

Boston Red Sox closer Koji Uehara is "not likely" to be ready for Opening Day due to a hamstring injury, manager John Farrell told reporters Sunday. 

Farrell said Edward Mujica will be the primary closer in the meantime, and Junichi Tazawa, Alexi Ogando and Tommy Laynecould pitch the ninth as well, depending on matchups.

Uehara has a strained hamstring and last pitched in a spring training game on March 14. He threw 60 pitches on flat ground Thursday but reported discomfort after throwing off a mound Saturday. 

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Uehara's bullpen session was his first since he initially sustained the injury. The Red Sox had hoped he would be able to pitch in a few spring training games this week. 

Uehara, who turns 40 on Friday, signed a two-year contract with the Red Sox in October. He has been Boston's closer for the past two seasons, compiling 47 saves. 

- Dan Gartland