Ace returns to Red Sox rotation
Red Sox (72-52) at Royals (41-83), 8:10 p.m. ET
Veteran right-hander Curt Schilling will finally test the waters as a starter Thursday night in a process that the Red Sox hope will lead Schilling back to his accustomed top-of-the-rotation dominance.
Schilling, who has been building arm strength working as a closer, is expected to throw about 75 pitches against the Royals. The Red Sox would love to see Schilling gradually build his pitch count to the point where he is completely ready for deep starts about the time the playoffs commence.
The Red Sox will have their long relievers on alert as Schilling takes the mound. Jeremi Gonzalez, who has a streak of 11 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings, will be available for extensive duty on Thursday, according to manager Terry Francona.
Pitching matchup
BOS: RHP Curt Schilling
• 5-5, 6.43 ERA in 2005
• 0-0, 3.00 ERA vs. KC in 2005
KC: RHP Jose Lima
• 4-12, 6.47 ERA in 2005
• Did not face BOS in 2004
Player to watch
Shortstop Edgar Renteria has six hits in the Kansas City series and is 11-for-20 against the Royals this year.
Quotable
"Anytime your starter can take you deep into the game, you have to be happy with that." -- Red Sox right-hander Bronson Arroyo, talking about Matt Clement's seven-inning outing on Wednesday
Quick hits
Designated hitter David Ortiz is 4-for-29 in his last seven games. ... The Red Sox had won four straight extra-inning games until losing in 11 innings on Wednesday. ... Clement has allowed just five earned runs in his last three starts.
On deck
• Friday: vs. Tigers, 7:05 p.m. ET
• Saturday: vs. Tigers, 7:05 p.m. ET
• Sunday: vs. Tigers, 2:05 p.m. ET