Clay Buchholz hopeful of an early return after meeting Doctor – MLB News
Clay Buchholz, the Boston Red Sox starting pitcher, is now hopeful of returning to the mound sooner than later after a comprehensive meeting with Dr. Robert Watkins this past Monday, August 1.
Buchholz became hopeful of a return when Dr. Watkins assured him that his stress fracture was by no means a career-ending injury and that the right-handed pitcher had a bright chance of pitching sometime late in this season as well. This was a big relief
for the Red Sox ace who was previously disturbed with talks about his career coming to an end.
Buchholz has been diagnosed with a fracture of his lumbar (L2) spinal column. He had been on the 15-day disabled list since June 19, retroactive to June 17 and was placed on the 60-day disabled list on Sunday, July 31, just before the trade deadline to include
Erik Bedard as insurance for Buchholz.
Buchholz expressed excitement after his meeting with the doctor and said, “So it’s good to go to a guy like him and be so forward with it and say it’s not even a career-ending thing or a season-ending thing for me. That’s definitely a sigh of relief, knowing
that it’s almost been two months. But at least I know it’s something there.’’
Clay’s situation got intense when he threw around 30 pitches in a bull-pen session on July 25. His pitching as immaculate but the recovery was not. After the initial stress that day, which is natural, Buchholz felt extra stress the next day and that is when
arrangements to meet Dr. Watkins were made.
Meanwhile team Doctor Thomas Gill and specialist Dr. Watkins have confirmed that the bull-pen session did not cause the fracture and this pain was something which had persisted since mid June.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona also expressed excitement on a likely return for Buchholz this season. Francona said that Buchholz will, however, undergo a complete rehabilitation process before making a start for the best team in American League.
Buchholz also wants to be completely fit before he pitches in the Majors. The right-handed pitcher said that he did not want to rush his comeback only to later go back to the disabled list. Buchholz has his eyes on the postseason for a likely return.
Buchholz has been exemplary at the mound for the Red Sox this season. He has started 14 games thus far and boasts a win-loss record of 6-3 with 60 strike-outs to his credit. His replacement, Bedard, has not been impressive this season but his career record
is strong and good team support can give Bedard the required confidence to boost his performance.
Boston will hope Clay returns to the bull-pen soon enough so that a strong pitching rotation can be formed.
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