Buchholz @ Buffalo 8/22

In his first start back from the majors, Clay wasn't on his game. He struggled with control and gave up a run in each of his innings of work. He went 3 innings, 4 hits, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K and came out after 63 pitches, most likely in a move to limit his innings for the season. Clay looks to bounce back tonight against Rochester.

Buchholz vs. Anaheim

Clay made his Major League debut on Saturday and picked up the win. His first start was up against a first-place ballclub and against Cy Young candidate John Lackey. But the Red Sox got to Lackey early and Clay held the fort down for a nice debut. He went six innings, 8 hits, 4 runs, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K. His change-up stood out the most as it was practically unhittable all day. He struggled with control early on but got better as the game went on, most likely due to it being his first start. Curve was inconsistent but threw some nasty hooks for strikes at times. Fastball ranged from 91-93, touching 94. Overall impressive start, Clay was optioned back down to Pawtucket after the game as planned.

Buchholz Headed to Boston

Multiple sources are stating that Clay Buchholz will indeed make his first Major League start in game 1 of the double-header vs. the Angels. The move was a long time coming as Buchholz is hands-down the best starting pitcher in Minor League Baseball. Clay has a tough task facing a good offense in the Angels but he has the composure and talent to be able to come up and get major league hitters out. Congratulations Clay, look forward to seeing you in the majors!

Buchholz @ Syracuse 8/12

Another nice start Clay. Struggled a bit early but finished very strong, going 5 innings, 3 hits, 2 ER, 2 BB, 9 K. The two earned runs came on two solo shots off of Clay. On the season now Clay has 48 strikeouts in just 30.1 innings giving him 14.26 K/9 in AAA. Cobined with the fact that he has only walked 8, his K/BB stands at a very impressive 6.00. There are rumors that Clay will get the start in Boston on Friday as part of the double-header vs. the Angels. Clay also turns 23 today so I'd like to wish him a happy 23rd birthday!

Buchholz vs. Ottawa 8/6

Another fantastic start for Clay Buchholz. He went 7 innings, giving up four hits (all singles), 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 K. Had everything working for him, getting nine strikouts and again no walks. Controlled the strikezone beautifully and is getting the hang of AAA and definetly looks like he is ready to get his first taste of the majors. In AAA now he has pitched 25.1 innings, 20 hits, 6 BB, 39 K, 3.20 ERA. His BABIP is currently high (.344) so once that evens out expect even more domination. He now is striking out 13.90 batters per 9 innings and only walking 2.13 batters per 9 giving up an outstanding 6.5 K/BB. He clearly appears to be the best SP prospect in the minors and has numbers that rival all of the other top pitching prospects that have recently graduated. Stay tuned...

Buchholz vs. Buffalo 8/1

Nice start for Buchholz this time around. Wasn't held back in pitch count for this game and went 6.1 innings, 5 hits, 2 ER, 0 BB, 9 K. One of the earned runs was on a HR. I didn't get a chance to see the game so I only really have boxscore info, but the strikeouts are very nice to see as is the no walks allowed. On the season now (in AAA), he's pitched 18.1 IP, 16 hits, 30/6 K/BB, 3.93 ERA, 3 HRA. HR totals are a bit high, we'll have to see if those continue to hold true given the extremely small sample size. But he has a 5.0 K/BB and striking out over 14 batters/per 9 innings so he's missing a lot of bats. I think AAA is a good level for him, AA was way too easy for him, hitters in AAA are more polished and I think this will be a good learning experience. Given that Boston aquired Gagne and the rotation appears full at the moment, there doesn't appear to be an immediate need in the Boston pitching staff. No doubt Clay could get major league hitters out but AAA will provide a good place for him to make good pitches and continue to work on his fastball command, stay tuned.