Clay Buchholz served up just what Boston Red Sox skipper Terry Francona ordered on Wednesday night as he went 8+ innings in the 3-2 win over the Minnesota Twins. It really couldn’t have come at a better time as the bullpen was slightly overused in the two-game set with the New York Yankees.
There’s a reason why Francona and the Red Sox wanted Buchholz in the rotation all season and he rewarded their faith last night. He mixed in all of his pitches well and had great command of his fastball. Sure he’ll have some bumps along the way but when he becomes consistent, this is what can expect from him.
After last night’s game, the Red Sox designated Scott Schoeneweis for assignment. At that time, there was no corresponding player move but my best guess would have been a pitcher from Pawtucket like Scott Atchison or Robert Manuel. But that wasn’t the case at all.
It turns out that Marco Scutaro is suffering from a case of tennis elbow in his non-throwing arm and he got a cortisone shot yesterday to help alleviate the pain. He had gotten his first day off in a long time yesterday and it turns out it was well needed. Angel Sanchez will come up from Pawtucket and play shortstop for the next couple of days while Scutaro rests up.
The Red Sox also placed Josh Beckett on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday with tightness in his back. After missing a start with back spasms, Beckett came back to start on Tuesday night only to slip on a pitch and have his back tighten back up. Beckett will miss two starts while on the disabled list and should start the day he’s eligible to come off the disabled list.
This could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Red Sox as it will allow Beckett to be 100% healthy before returning the rotation plus it’ll give Tim Wakefield a few more starts. Wakefield has been outstanding filling in out of the bullpen and given Beckett’s struggles in 2010, this might not be a bad thing.
And how about David Ortiz! Reports of his demise were just a little wrong as he hit his seventh home run in the month of May last night.
For more slices of Boston Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, ESPN Boston, NESN, Providence Journal and WEEI websites.
And if you must check out the enemy papers, head over to the Minneapolis Star Tribune and St. Paul Pioneer Press websites.
