Andrew Bailey on bullpen role: ‘I don’t give a [expletive], frankly’

Franklin, my dear, I don’t give a [expletive]...would have been a much sweeter fit. If only…

Andrew Bailey is set to make a rehab appearance on Sunday. But when it comes time for Bailey to finally join the big-league club, will he replace Alfredo Aceves as the team’s closer?

“I don’t give a [expletive], frankly. I just want to play and get to the playoffs,” Bailey said. “Whatever role they see fit, that’s what I’m going to do. If it’s setting up, if it’s doing whatever, that’s fine by me and we’ll address it next spring.”

The Red Sox bullpen already leads the American League in holds. Adding Bailey, who was the key return in the trade that sent Josh Reddick to the Athletics, will likely only make the team’s bullpen better.

“[Aceves] and the whole bullpen has been doing great this whole year and whatever role they see fit, that’s what I’m going to do,” Bailey said. “If it is setting up or if it is doing whatever that is fine by me and we will address it next spring.”