The Red Sox optioned reliever Tommy Layne to Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday to clear a roster spot for closer Koji Uehara, who was activated off the 15-day disabled list. Uehara missed the first week of games due to a hamstring injury he suffered late in spring training.
Manager John Farrell said the decision to demote Layne over Robbie Ross came down to Ross being available for Monday's game against the Nationals. Layne pitched four times since Opening Day, including Sunday against the Yankees.