The Red Sox activated right-hander Junichi Tazawa from the 15-day disabled list Friday and optioned righty Noe Ramirez to Triple-A Pawtucket.
The 30-year-old Tazawa hasn't pitched since July 3 because of a right shoulder impingement. He had a 3.62 ERA in 35 relief appearances before the injury, striking out 37 batters and walking eight, while holding opposing hitters to a .215 average.
Ramirez, 26, has a 6.55 ERA in 11 relief appearances over seven stints with Boston this season, in addition to going 1-3 with a 2.36 ERA in 18 appearances for Pawtucket.