Five days since his last throwing session, the Clay Buchholz injury saga continues with no end in sight.
But for now, at least, the Red Sox aren’t altering their approach to the trade deadline.
Buchholz hasn’t picked up a ball since last Sunday, when he felt lingering soreness in his cranky right shoulder after a bullpen session in Oakland. He wasn’t present at the Red Sox’ voluntary workout yesterday at Fenway Park, although he hosted a charity bowling event across the street at Lucky Strike Lanes, and he’s due to be reexamined today by team orthopedist Dr. Peter Asnis.
In the best-case scenario, Buchholz is cleared to resume his throwing program, albeit a few steps behind where he left off. Worst-case scenario: He will undergo additional tests to determine whether the inflammation of the bursa sac in his right shoulder has worsened.
Either way, the Red Sox lack a timetable for Buchholz’ return.
“We all want the same thing, and that’s Clay getting back on the mound,” manager John Farrell said. “But along the way, we’ve got to balance a player’s current and long-term health. If it’s less than (optimal), we don’t know how effective he would be.”
But this, Farrell said, is the bottom line: “We have every intention and hope and outlook that he will resume pitching this season.”
As a result, the Red Sox aren’t giving any indication they will step up their pursuit of a starting pitcher before the July 31 trade deadline. One source suggested the club will be “selective” in adding to what it already views as strong rotation depth, although it’s also worth noting that declaring their need for another starter would decrease leverage in any potential deal.
Multiple sources have suggested the Sox are monitoring the market for starters, including the Cubs’ Matt Garza, but may still be prioritizing other needs, namely the bullpen and possibly third base. Besides, unless the Phillies decide to trade ace lefty Cliff Lee, a bona fide front-of-the-rotation starter may not be available before July 31.
For Buchholz, the soreness in his shoulder crops up when he progresses from aggressively throwing off flat ground to pitching off a bullpen mound. After Sunday’s setback, he received an additional dose of anti-inflammatory medication, according to Farrell.
“We’re trying to get him past the plateau he’s hit,” Farrell said. “As optimistic as we were on this past road trip, particularly coming out of his work sessions (last week) in Seattle, where we felt like he was turning the corner, he’s still got some lingering soreness in there.
“I wish I can give you an exact date (for his return), to be honest with you. And I know Clay would, too. There’s no one more frustrated in this than Clay, and that needs to be made clear.
“This is a guy who is a strong competitor,” Farrell added. “He recognizes the situation we’re in, and he wants to be on the mound. But at the same time, his body is telling him one thing.”
