The Clay Buchholz era is about to begin in Boston. Well, begin again anyway. I think it’s the third era for him:
In order to give their starters extra rest during the All-Star break, the Red Sox will promote heralded prospect Clay Buchholz from Triple-A Pawtucket to start Friday’s series opener in Toronto.
The 24-year-old right-hander is having a breakout season with the PawSox, going 7-2 with a 2.36 ERA in 16 appearances. In 99 innings this seaon, opponents were hitting just .188 against Buchholz, who has registered 89 strikeouts, 30 walks and tossed one complete game.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona did not announce a corresponding roster move on Sunday, but one will be made before Buchholz takes the hill against the Blue Jays.
Probably a bunch of moves unless they plan on bringing up Buchholz for a single start and sending him back down again. This is especially true given that Jed Lowrie and Mike Lowell are about to be activated again as well. Could the long-rumored Penny trade be afoot? Could they be dealing Saito and moving Smoltz to the bullpen, which is probably where he needs to be anyway?
No idea. But since there’s no baseball of consequence until Thursday, we have a lot of time to sit and wonder about it.