Clay Buchholz to Receive Second Opinion
By Editorial Staff
Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz is set to receive a second opinion this week on his strained lower back. The injury has not responded to treatment as the club expected.
Buchholz has been on the disabled list since June 19th because of his injured back. The right hander left his last start after only 5 innings as he was experiencing discomfort. Buchholz hoped that leaving early and not forcing the issue would allow him to return sooner than later.
Unfortunately for the 26 year old, the problem has lingered. It’s been a frustrating issue for Buchholz and the Sox.
"“It was slowly getting better and then it just sort of stayed the same for a while. I just want to get back on the field as quick as I can. If something’s not working, I want to get somebody else to look at it and try to go a different direction with it and hopefully it won’t take that much longer. That’s what I’m hoping for.”"
Buchholz will meet with back specialist Craig Brigham later this week to see if the injury is more serious than previously thought. The pain is something that Buchholz has never felt before.
"“When I’m throwing it’s in my lower back and sometimes it feels like a muscle that was strained on [right] side, but now it’s in the middle of my back,” he said. “I don’t know a whole lot about it and that’s why I’m headed to that doctor to see if he can figure something out.”"
On the year Buchholz has a record of 6-3 in his 14 starts. He maintained an ERA and WHIP of 3.48 and 1.29 over his 82.2 innings pitched for the Red Sox.
While Buchholz has been on the DL, his spot in the rotation has been filled by former top prospect Andrew Miller. The lefty’s been more than adequate as a stand in, going 2-0 over his 3 appearances with a 3.06 ERA. Boston’s won each of 3 games Miller’s started this season.
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