Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
It is quite impressive how the Boston Red Sox continue to have a lead in the American League East division without their most dominant starting pitcher on the active roster. The good news for the Red Sox is that right-hander Clay Buchholz is likely to return to the starting rotation soon after he takes another step in the right direction.
“He threw off flat ground and aggressively from 90 feet,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said, according to RedSox.com. “It’s probably the most aggressive he has been from 90 feet. Tomorrow he’ll be back on the mound. So, he is making steady progress.”
Buchholz has not taken the mound in a Major League game since he was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a neck strain. His last start occurred on June 8 when he allowed just two earned runs on six hits in 6 2/3 innings in a win against the Los Angeles Angels. It was his ninth win of the season, and considering he has yet to lose a decision in 2013, one can see why Boston cannot wait to see him in action once again. In fact, Buchholz has posted a 1.71 earned run average and 81 strikeouts in 84 1/3 innings this season making him the most dominant starting pitcher in Major League Baseball.
Hopefully, Buchholz will be able to return to form when he is cleared to join the 25-man roster. The Red Sox could certainly use his valuable arm down the stretch to help their chances of clinching the division.
