All Star pitcher: Clay Buchholz has not pitched since June 8th and the Red Sox need him back...NOW!
After making his season debut just 3 days after the season began, Buchholz allowed just 10 runs in his first 5 starts before getting even better in ensuing games. By May 1st, Buchholz was 6 and 0 without a single no decision. By June 8th, he remained undefeated through nine stars and was widely regarded as one of the hottest pitchers in baseball as his near no hitter in May and season ERA of 1.71 had stymied hitters day in and day out. Yet in the blink of an eye, things went from great to well, not so great.
After going down back in June due of a neck strain I can guarantee you no one would ever have believed that a neck STRAIN would keep Boston's all-star out of the lineup for what will be going on 2 months now.
Regardless of what you THOUGHT, he is. The 28 year old, 9-0 Boston ace has not pitched in almost 50 days and according to WEEI reports, even though he has now been told by not one but 2 doctors that he is OK. to play he likely won’t for some time now.
“Clay comes back, I think, with a little bit more peace of mind and he’ll continue on the throwing program that’s been already put in place,” Manager John Farrall said after the doctors decision was May announced last night.
Nevertheless, when you look at what Buchholz has done on the road to rehab well, you don't need look very deep before you realize that the Sox organization and Buchholz could probably use a little dose of Patrice Bergeron play through the pain action. After just 2 or 3 bullpen sessions, Buchholz has continued to complain about his neck. He is still yet play that simulated game scheduled for him and is treating his rehab schedule like it don't exist.
“I don’t have a date, we feel like he’s going to have to continue to progress in some further distance in long toss before getting on the mound. He’s going to need probably three bullpens before we get into a simulated game situation before going out on a rehab start. That’s the best I can outline right now.” Farrell also said.
Yet for the Sox, sadly, Farrell's words have actually been the most decisive ever spoken on the subject of Buchholz. Why? Because of the right hander's insistence to only play when he is 100 percent.
“From my understanding of the exam and what Dr. Andrews relayed to [Buchholz] is that he’s going to feel some, at times, some little stiffness or discomfort just by virtue of getting back in pitching shape,” Farrell continued to say slightly hinting to the fact that Buchholz would NEED to face a little discomfort in his rehab.
Regardless of all that, the end may be in sight. Well not really.
As more and more speculation have come out surrounding when Buchholz will make his return a small collection of dates has been chosen as the most likely section of games for which his arm will once again be utilized-- mid-august-- the only problem is that is LONG way away.
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