Yesterday afternoon at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Boston Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz showed he was an like a really old pipe in an abandoned building. He was full of rust.
The last time Buchholz had pitched in the big leagues was back on June 26th in San Francisco when he had to leave the game after suffering a hamstring injury while running the bases. He only made one rehab start before being activated yesterday and maybe just maybe, he might have needed another one at the very least.
Instead, John Farrell and Terry Francona decided that it would be best for Buchholz to rejoin the rotation but young Clay’s start didn’t go exactly as hoped. He lasted just 4+ innings, throwing 87 pitches while facing 24 batters. He ended up being charged with five runs on six hits and three walks. But it’s nothing really to worry about though for Buchholz as this was probably expected.
What hurts the most about yesterday’s game is the fact that the first place New York Yankees and second place Tampa Bay Rays each won yesterday to increase their leads over the Red Sox. The Red Sox are now seven games behind the Yankees and 4.5 games behind the Rays. It hurts because of the fact that the Red Sox had an opportunity to pick up a game on each the previous night and failed to do so.
The season isn’t over by no means (still 67 to go folks) but when you have a chance to cut into a lead, you really need to make the most of it.
The magical story of Daniel Nava has come to end for now as well as after the game, the Red Sox optioned Nava back to Triple-A Pawtucket to make room for Jeremy Hermida. Nava did a great job though filling in as he hit .286 with a home run and 16 RBIs in 29 games. I think he’ll be back sooner rather than later.
We’ll end on a positive note here as Michael Bowden recovered from allowing the winning run on Tuesday night to pitch 1 1/3 innings of no-run baseball. He did allow two hits and a walk but it was a good bounce back game for him, one that should keep his confidence high.
That’s all I got for now. We’ll be back tonight with the starting lineups against the Seattle Mariners as well as the batter/pitcher matchups, any news and links from the day but for now enjoy the overnight links by clicking on the read more button below.
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Sox can’t hit on a solution [Boston Globe]
It’s time for them to get a move on [Boston Globe]
Not an All-Star performance [Boston Globe]
Houk, 90, had a major impact [Boston Globe]
Remy agrees to contract extension with NESN [Boston Globe]
Recap: Athletics 6, Red Sox 4 [Boston Herald]
This trip to Safeco a tad dangerous [Boston Herald]
Daniel Nava sent down [Boston Herald]
Clay Buchholz’ rust shows [Boston Herald]
Deal? Or no deal? [Clubhouse Insider]
Sox hope to catch a break [CSN New England]
Buchholz stumbles, Sox fall 6-4 [CSN New England]
Red Sox quick hits [ESPN Boston]
Nava optioned to Pawtucket [ESPN Boston]
Lowrie’s return an eventful one [ESPN Boston]
What can Brown do for Sox? [ESPN Boston]
SI’s ‘Fortunate 50’ includes three Sox [Extra Bases]
Kelly starting to figure things out [Extra Bases]
Stark on D&H: Bullpen market is ‘abysmal’ [Full Count]
Francona on D&H: Need to use ‘common sense’ with Buchholz, Beckett [Full Count]
Closing time: Athletics 6, Red Sox 4 [Full Count]
After memorable run, Nava sent back to minors [Full Count]
Another fantastic Fenway finish [Full Count]
Olney on D&C: Brewers’ Hart a possibility for Sox [Full Count]
Frustrations Continue [Hit and Run with Dan Roche]
Adrian Beltre Can Feel Carl Crawford’s Pain [NESN.com]
Mike Lowell Eager to Get At-Bats in Pawtucket Before Returning to Red Sox [NESN.com]
Adrian Beltre’s Breakout in Oakland Should Help Bring W’s to Struggling Red Sox [NESN.com]
Jed Lowrie’s Return One Positive From Red Sox’ Loss in Oakland [NESN.com]
Clay Buchholz ‘A Little Rusty’ in Return to Red Sox Rotation [NESN.com]
Red Sox Need to Reawaken Offense to Capitalize on Four-Game Set With Seattle [NESN.com]
Buchholz not up to par; A’s win series [Providence Journal]
Daniel Nava sent to minors, ending his storybook run for now [Providence Journal]
Losses mount, but Sox confident they’ll turn it around [Providence Journal]
Red Sox Journal: Lowrie’s return could expedite Lowell’s departure [Providence Journal]
Richardson impresses, but sent down [RedSox.com]
Lowrie activated, contributes in debut [RedSox.com]
Hermida to rejoin club Thursday [RedSox.com]
Buchholz back, but off his game in loss [RedSox.com]
Fans get kick out of Football at Fenway [RedSox.com]
Former Red Sox manager Houk dies at 90 [RedSox.com]
Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox facial hair pioneer, is at it again [Red Sox Monster]
The Red Sox have the pieces, but not the time [Rob Bradford – WEEI.com]
For more slices of Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, ESPN Boston, NESN, Providence Journal and WEEI websites.
And if you must read the enemy papers, you can check out the San Francisco Chronicle and San Jose Mercury News websites.
Photo credit: AP Photo
Your emotions went up as you watched John Lackey try to complete a no-hitter. Then they went down when you saw Josh Bard’s two-out single in the 8th break up said no-no. Then back up again as you realized the Red Sox were holding a 6-1 lead and had Manny Delcarmen, who was perfect since returning from the DL, coming into the game.
53-42
According to 