Buchholz looks to halt Sox skid
It's been a long time coming, but on Wednesday night Clay Buchholz will finally get a chance to make his first start since throwing a no-hitter against the Orioles on Sept. 1.
Despite the extended layoff, Boston's 23-year-old rookie isn't exactly going to be eased back into the starter's role. Buchholz will have the daunting task of trying to end the Red Sox's three-game losing streak when he takes the mound against the Blue Jays.
"It feels like I haven't pitched in a month," Buchholz said. "That hadn't happened all year, or the last couple of years. But I think the rest is helpful. Just resting a little bit. I'm ready to get back out there."
Following Tuesday night's late-inning collapse against Toronto, the Sox will need a solid outing from Buchholz, now more than ever. Boston's lead over the Yankees in the American League East has shrunk to just 2 1/2 games -- the slimmest margin the team has had since April 26.
Buchholz has thrown a total of 143 1/3 innings in the Minor Leagues and Major Leagues this season. Boston has been closely monitoring his workload all year long, and decided to move their top prospect to the bullpen following his historic night, to make sure he wasn't being overused.
Even though Buchholz now finds himself getting another start, he's expected to be on a tight pitch count. Just how long he'll be allowed to pitch for, though, hasn't been decided yet according to Sox manager Terry Francona.
"We're recognizing what we're dealing with," Francona said. "You know what, I don't know where we'll end up, I really don't. I think a lot of it will depend on how he's throwing, score of the game."
For his part, Buchholz says his transition to the bullpen took a bit of an adjustment, but he thinks the extra rest will help him finish the season strong.
"The time off has let me rest a little bit," Buchholz said. "Being out in the 'pen and getting to throw here and there, it's been good. ... But I think going back to at least one more start would probably be better for me."
Toronto will counter with right-hander Jesse Litsch. The 22-year-old had his string of rough outings continue in his last start against the Orioles. Litsch surrendered four runs on seven hits over three innings -- his shortest outing since May 30. He is now 0-3 with an 11.12 ERA over his last three starts.
Pitching matchup
BOS: RHP Clay Buchholz (3-0, 1.50 ERA)
Buchholz is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in one career outing on the road.
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TOR: RHP Jesse Litsch (5-9, 4.37 ERA)
Litsch is 1-1 with a 7.20 ERA in two starts against the Red Sox this season.
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/gameday/mugshots/mlb/446209.jpg
I'll give it a shot.