buchholz to start friday night against toronto

[Guest baseball25]

Manager Terry Francona announced something Red Sox [team stats] fans have been clamoring for following yesterday’s 6-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park [map].

Right-hander Clay Buchholz will make his 2009 debut Friday when the Red Sox visit Toronto following the All-Star break.

According to Francona, the Sox’ intentions are twofold. The club wants to see Buchholz against a strong divisional foe, while giving All-Stars Josh Beckett [stats] and Tim Wakefield [stats] an extended rest going into the second half of the season.

Buchholz, Brad Penny and Jon Lester [stats] will start in Toronto and John Smoltz, Beckett and Wakefield will get the ball at Texas.

“What we are going to do coming out of the break is Buchholz is going to pitch on Friday,†Francona said. “Some of the reason behind that is, with two starters in the All-Star Game, there was going to be a lot - not indecision - but a lot of not sure what (is) going to happen.

“So we wanted to line everybody (up) and not have to tell Smoltz ‘watch the All-Star (Game) and, if Wake pitches, you throw a side’ after the game. It just didn’t make a lot of sense.â€

Buchholz is enjoying a phenomenal season at Triple-A Pawtucket, where he is 7-2 with a 2.36 ERA.The 24-year-old, who has 89 strikeouts and 30 walks in 99 innings, was selected to represent the International League Wednesday’s Triple-A All-Star Game against the elite of the Pacific League at PGE Park in Portland, Ore.

Buchholz had arguably his worst outing of the season for the PawSox in yesterday’s 5-4 loss to Syracuse at McCoy Stadium. Buchholz allowed four earned runs and eight hits in 5 innings.

Since he pitched yesterday, Buchholz will not touch the mound in Portland.

“It’s right on his day and it really sets our rotation a little bit,†Francona said of Friday’s start against the Blue Jays. “We wanted to again be consistent with our guys’ rest.

“We wanted to see Buch pitch, too. There are just a lot of reasons for it. Coming out of the break that is typically a tough game, especially when you have four days off. I think there is some validity to give Buch the ball and let him go.â€

Buchholz made his Sox debut in 2007 and turned heads by going 3-1 with a 1.59 ERA, including a no-hitter against Baltimore on Sept. 1. Buchholz fell apart the following season when he was 2-9 with a 6.75 ERA in 15 starts before being shipped back to Pawtucket.

[WTB]

congrats!!!

[EAGLE07]

About time. Clay is having an excellent season.

Go make Angelina proud.  ;D