Two-time American League All-Star Clay Buchholz will be removed from the starting rotation and placed in the bullpen, Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell announced Friday, per NESN’s Zack Cox.
Farrell said the move was necessary after Buchholz’s poor start to the season, per Cox:
The bottom line is the results. And I think there’s been a strong precedent set. I can tell you that Clay understands the decision but probably doesn’t like it, which I can respect. But at the same time, I think the most important thing as we stand today is how he embraces this decision — how this change will work itself out.
Buchholz, 31, is struggling mightily this season. Through 10 starts, he is 2-5 with a 6.35 ERA. Considering that Boston’s offense leads the American League with 276 runs scored, the only person Buchholz can blame for his play is himself.
Newly acquired ace David Price went through similar struggles this season, but he has turned it around. After sporting an ERA of 6.75 through his first seven starts, Price has allowed only six runs in his last three starts combined, with his ERA dropping to 5.34.
According to the Boston Globe‘s Pete Abraham, the Red Sox brass does not foresee the same type of improvement from Buchholz:
Price was luckier with his run support, as he is 7-1 on the year despite his struggles.
Eduardo Rodriguez, a 23-year-old lefty, will come off the disabled list and take Buchholz’s scheduled start Tuesday, per NBC Sports’ Craig Calcaterra.
As a rookie, Rodriguez was excellent in 2015. He posted a 10-6 record with a 3.85 ERA on a Boston team that finished last in the AL East.
It is unfortunate that Buchholz is regressing after a stellar career in Boston, but he should provide depth in the bullpen. Injuries are bound to happen, so if a Red Sox pitcher is forced to miss a start or two, Buchholz could come back with a vengeance and push himself back into the rotation.
All statistics are courtesy of ESPN.com.
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