Koji Uehara went into this season as a $9 million back up. Elite closer Craig Kimbrel was acquired in a multi-prospect deal from the San Diego Padres. Uehara became very expensive insurance for Kimbrel and also became a set up man for what was supposed to be a powerhouse bullpen with Carson Smith from the Seattle Mariners handling the seventh inning.
Smith pitched all of 2.2 innings this season, eventually needing Tommy John surgery, making Uehara even more important in his new role.
Koji started off the season well, unscathed until a disastrous appearance on April 18.