Red Sox right-hander Clay Buchholz hasn’t pitched since June 16th, when he was pulled from his start in Tampa after allowing one run over five innings. The next morning, Red Sox Nation read that his back was acting up, and he might have to go on the DL.
Word was that he would have to miss a couple of starts to give his back some rest, and the question seemed to be whether he would be able to return for a start before the All-Star break or whether he would be held out until the start of the second half.
In the ensuing weeks, Buchholz has seen three back specialists…and he is scheduled to see a fourth on Monday.
The Red Sox front office has typically held its cards close to its vest. I find it VERY curious team management has discussed Buchholz’ upcoming appointment as openly as it has. And I find the timing of the appointment to be very curious—as it comes the day after the non-waiver trade deadline (don’t forget, teams can still make trades in August as long as players have slid through waivers).
It suggests to me the team knows a lot more about the young Texans’ status than they are letting on, and it suggests to me that the news isn’t especially good.