By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
BOSTON — Current Philadelphia Phillies closer RHP Jeanmar Gomez, along with franchise saves leader Jonathan Papelbon who is currently a free agent after requesting his release from the Washington Nationals on August 13, are both drawing interest from the Boston Red Sox, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
With 33 games remaining on their regular season schedule, the Red Sox trail the Toronto Blue Jays by one game in the American League East division. They hold a two-game lead for the top American League Wild Card spot and own the seventh-best record in the big leagues this season, 72-57 (.558).
The Red Sox' potential interest in Gomez or Papelbon to set up closer Craig Kimbrel would be necessitated due to injuries they have suffered at the back end of their bullpen, particularly RHP Koji Uehara (right pectoral muscle strain), who hasn't pitched in a game since July 19.
The Red Sox also have RHP Brad Ziegler, acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 9, Ziegler is 1-3 with a 1.89 ERA with the Red Sox, but has already blown four saves in just seven opportunities.
"If the Red Sox are looking for another late-inning reliever this offseason, Gomez could be available. Gomez is one of those 'out of nowhere' players who has recorded 34 saves," said Cafardo. "The Phillies have also struck it rich with setup man Hector Neris, so the feeling is they’ll deal the arbitration-eligible Gomez and stick with Neris as their closer."
"Everyone wants to know what’s taking so long for Papelbon to decide where to sign. Perhaps he won’t sign anywhere," said Cafardo. "We hear through major league sources there may be some family/personal issues involved with Papelbon not being able to join the Red Sox just yet. The Red Sox seem to have an open-door invitation to Papelbon, who could contend as the eighth-inning guy if he arrives soon."
With 368 career saves, Papelbon ranks ninth on the all-time saves list, trailing Mariano Rivera (652), Trevor Hoffman (601), Lee Smith (478), John Franco (424), Francisco Rodriguez (422), Billy Wagner (422), Dennis Eckersley (390) and Joe Nathan (377).
Papelbon had 219 saves as a member of the Red Sox from 2005-2011 and 123 saves as a Phillie from 2012-2015, both franchise highs. He is the second player in Major League Baseball history to lead two clubs in saves, joining RHP Robb Nen, formerly of the Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants franchises.
With one more save, Gomez will become the seventh pitcher in Phillies franchise history to record 35 or more saves in a season, joining Jose Mesa (45, 42), Mitch Williams (43), Brad Lidge (41), Steve Bedrosian (40), Jonathan Papelbon (39, 38) and Billy Wagner (38).
For either Gomez or Papelbon to be eligible to participate with the likely postseason-bound Red Sox this fall, they must be brought on before the Sept. 1 roster expansion.
