Clay Buchholz has struggled in his 2016 campaign and as a result, the Boston Red Sox moved the right-hander to the bullpen. Eduardo Rodriguez will make his season debut and take over for Boston’s No. 2 starter.
The day after Clay Buchholz surrendered six runs over five innings against the Colorado Rockies, the Boston Red Sox have decided to move the right-hander to the bullpen.
Buchholz, a two-time All-Star, has struggled throughout the season. After Thursday’s start, Buchholz’s ERA rose to 6.35. He has also experienced his lowest K/9 of his career (5.9), down 2.6 from the previous season.
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The move coincides with what will be the activation of left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez off the disabled list. The 23-year-old has been rehabbing back from a right knee injury which he suffered in Spring Training.
In his rookie campaign, Rodriguez made 21 starts, posting a 3.85 ERA. He also won 10 games and had a 3.92 FIP. His season debut will come Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles.
The Red Sox are currently first in the American League East with a 29-18 record. They are also first in runs scored; but their powerhouse offense has been limited to an extent due to the pitching. The team has a 4.06 ERA, ranked 17th in the majors.
Buchholz is at the front of the pitching problems. The 31-year-old has only given up two or fewer runs in two of his 10 starts. He has also surrendered 12 home runs and boasts a 1.46 WHIP.
A career filled with ups-and-downs, Buchholz is in the midst of his worst season since 2008, where he posted a 6.75 ERA and a 1.76 WHIP over 16 games.
His best start came in the second of his career, where he threw a no-hitter against the Orioles.
Buchholz’s struggles does come with a positive. He has been healthy to date. Previously, Buchholz has found himself on the disabled list often, only making 20+ starts three times in his career.
Two games ahead in the AL East, the Red Sox need to bolster their rotation to pull away from the Orioles. Despite his 7-1 record, ace David Price is struggling, as his WAR is negative and his ERA north of 5.30.
Steven Wright and Rick Porcello have been reliable for the Red Sox, currently second and third in total innings for the Red Sox respectively. Wright has a 2.52 ERA while Porcello is at 3.47. Both starters also have a K/9 above eight.
Eventually, if Buchholz turns around his struggling 2016 season, he may replace Joe Kelly in the rotation. Kelly has struggled since joining the rotation, posting a 5.28 ERA and 1.83 WHIP over four starts.