When Andrew Bailey last pitched in a major-league game, he was wearing the green-and-gold of the Oakland Athletics, September 28, 2011.

One trade, two injuries and a rehab assignment later, Bailey will make his Boston Red Sox debut soon. Scott Lauber:

According to a team source, the Red Sox intend to activate Bailey from the disabled list before tonight’s game in Baltimore, the opener of an all-important three-game series against the Orioles. The two-time All-Star closer passed his final test by retiring all four batters he faced Sunday night for Triple-A Pawtucket.

Bailey is not expected to become the Red Sox’ closer immediately, as the team wants to ease him into action and also, they have an effective closer now in Alfredo Aceves. Bailey says he doesn’t mind:

“I don’t really care. I just want to pitch,” Bailey said. “At this point, I’ve missed enough time to know that (Aceves) has done a hell of a job this year, and the bullpen has been great all year. So for me, I just want to find my role — whatever that is — and finish the year and get to the playoffs.”

No corresponding roster move has yet been announced, although Baseball Nation’s Marc Normandin suggests that the likely move would be to place Will Middlebrooks on the 60-day DL, then option either Junichi Tazawa or Clayton Mortensen to Triple-A Pawtucket.

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