BOSTON -- Takashi Saito came to Boston with the expectation that he would set up closer Jonathan Papelbon. So far, it hasn't worked out that way, and Saito knows he has no one but himself to blame.

Those eighth-inning setup appearances are going to other pitchers, often Hideki Okajima, and Saito has been used in less pressure-packed situations. Most of his eighth- and ninth-inning work has come during blowouts, or losses. He has not been used often to protect a close lead, and he understands that.

"Right now, simply, they're pitching better than I am," he said. "I just have to do my best when I'm called upon, whatever situation it is, and not get caught up in labels like setup guy, or closer or wins and losses, and just go out there and do my job when I'm called upon."

It's been a season of adjustments for Saito. The former star closer for the Dodgers has been used intermittently, and he hasn't been as dazzling this year as he was in 2006 and 2007.

When he has been asked to come in with the game on the line recently, he's had trouble. He's taken the loss in two of the last four games after imploding Saturday in the ninth inning, walking three batters and giving up a single to give Seattle a 3-2 win.

The incident was an aberration, catcher Jason Varitek said, and not an indication of larger woes for Saito.

"That's freak. He can pitch. That's very uncommon for that to happen," Varitek said.

Regardless, it was an unnerving experience for the normally precise 39-year-old.

"I'm not a pitcher to give up a lot of walks to begin with, so I can't really remember another incident like today, really," he said.

Saito posted a 2.49 ERA in an injury-shortened 2008 season for Los Angeles, a torn tendon in his elbow contributing to what was the poorest year of a brief but stellar major-league career. Saito has a decent 3.45 ERA this season, but has only been used on consecutive days twice, partly to protect the torn tendon in his elbow. He has had a tough time adjusting to the irregular work, and said more than anything, that's what he needs to master.

"I think that's the biggest adjustment that I need to continue to make," he said. "I know that might be difficult, but it's also the most important thing I need to do, and I want to get working on it even in my next outing. As a reliever, in my first year with the team, I know if I can't make that adjustment, I can't contribute to the team. So I know it's something I have to keep working on."

The Red Sox signed Saito to an incentive-laden one-year contract this offseason, with a club option for 2010. He could earn as much as $7 million if he reaches his performance incentives.

His name has come up in trade talks recently, with speculation linking him to Texas, among other clubs.

He thinks he can be effective for the Red Sox the rest of this season, and that he is learning how to adjust to the irregular schedule, with some minor tricks and twaks.

"I think some of it I can do in the bullpen, whether it's getting up to throw a little bit between innings, or even when I'm playing catch on flat ground, having the other guy crouch down," Saito said. "Those are things I've learned from watching the other relievers on this team, and just trying to watch and learn and see what works for me."

If he can make those changes, perhaps he'll establish himself more in that late-inning mix. Until then, he's got more work to do.

dbarbari@projo.com