Clay Buchholz has final rehab start pushed back

Here’s to hoping that paternity can work its magic again.

Clay Buchholz, who hasn’t pitched since the beginning of June, had his final rehab start pushed back to Thursday. Buchholz had been slated to take the hill for Pawtucket on Wednesday in the midst of the International League playoffs.

Clay’s wife, Lindsay, is expected to give birth to the couple’s second child this Wednesday, September 4th.

Jun 10, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz (11) against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The postponement shouldn’t affect Buchholz’s return to Boston though as the Red Sox have a scheduled off day on Monday, September 9th. The off day means that pitching on Thursday will give Buchholz five days rest leading up to a Tuesday start to kick off a three-game set against Tampa Bay, the last time the two teams meet this season.

Before being shut down on the recommendation of Dr. James Andrews, Buchholz had pitched himself to a 1.71 ERA in 84 innings to start the year. Buchholz was reportedly only dealing with some inflammation as opposed to damage, which means this should be the end of this particular injury.

Buchholz’s return could not come at a better time for the first place Red Sox, who are hoping Clay has taken notes from outfielder Daniel Nava. Nava was given time off to be with his family for the birth of his daughter, Faith, in late July. In the 17 games since his return, the 30-year-old is hitting a nifty .426 to go along with a .500 OBP.

Hopefully Buchholz can return to top form in time for a grueling September schedule which has a mere five games against teams with sub-.500 records.