Buchholz struggles yet again in Boston’s loss

Boston Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz is pulled from the game by manager Terry Francona after another lackluster start

Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz continued to struggle, lasting just 2 2/3 inning in an eventual 11-6 loss to the Orioles. He allowed five runs on three hits, while walking three in what could be his last start with the team this season. He dropped to 2-9 this season, upping his ERA to 6.75, forcing Boston to demote the righthander.

Boston’s offense put up the first four runs of the game, only to see the Orioles scored 10 runs in a span of three innings, torching not only Buchholz, but Boston’s relief core as well. David Aardsma replaced Buchholz, only to give up a three-run home run to Ramon Hernandez, putting Baltimore in front 6-3. Melvin Mora continued his torrid month at the plate (.455 BA, 6 homers, 30 rbi’s in 18 August games), tagging a Javier Lopez offering for a three-run home run of his own, lengthening the Orioles lead to 10-4, putting the game out of reach for Boston.

Buchholz threw only 60 pitches before manager Terry Francona decided he had seen enough. His location was poor,  half of his pitches were balls. He lost his seventh straight decision, his last win in early May. By acquiring Paul Byrd, and with Tim Wakefield on the mend, I expect that his demotion to Portland (AAA affiliate) will be for the remainder of the season.

Since throwing his no-hitter last season against these same Orioles, Buchholz has lost confidence in his repertoire. Clay’s fastball, once featuring an abundance of movement, has become straight, while his previously filthy curveball hasn’t been thrown for strikes with regularity. He did have some good starts in the early part of the season, but overall he has been increasingly ineffective. With that said, I believe eventually he will be able to regain confidence and be a good pitcher; but for now, the Red Sox can’t afford to start a pitcher who doesn’t trust his pitches and himself.