There was some concern about Clay Buchholz going into his start in Game 4 of the World Series due to tightness in his right shoulder, the same one that knocked him out of commission for three months during the regular season. Nevertheless, Red Sox manager John Farrell gave his right-hander the ball.
Through two innings, Buchholz looks like he’s operating well below 100 percent. Per Brooks Baseball, his fastball averaged 91-95 MPH during the regular season, but has struggled to touch 89 MPH against the Cardinals in Game 4. To put in perspective how much worse his fastball is, he threw an 88 MPH change-up during the first at-bat against Matt Carpenter in the first inning. Buchholz, though, has made pitches when he has needed to, escaping a two-on, one-out situation in the bottom of the second inning.
Farrell hasn’t had anyone warm up in the bullpen in case Buchholz gets in trouble. He is at 30 pitches and just hit for himself in the top of the third inning, striking out.