Boston’s rotation is about to get a massive boost.
According to beat writer Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald, right-hander Clay Buchholz is slated to make his first minor league rehab start on Sunday afternoon with Low-A Lowell and a second rehab start on Friday night. If both of those outings go well, he will likely be cleared to rejoin the Red Sox five days later -- on September 4 -- for the series finale of a big three-game set against the Detroit Tigers.
Buchholz opened the 2013 season with a 9-0 record, 1.71 ERA and 1.02 WHIP over his first 84 1/3 innings (12 starts), but he hasn’t pitched in a major league game since June 8 due to neck and shoulder issues.
The Red Sox are currently tied with the Rays atop the American League East standings.