Clay Buchholz has “hyperextended knee,” could miss next start

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Just yesterday, I Clay Buchholz DL Trip” href=”https://bosoxinjection.com/2014/05/27/time-phantom-disabled-list-trip-clay-buchholz/” target=”_blank”>posted on Clay Buchholz and the need for a phantom trip to the disabled list to give him some rest. One day later, it appears that the Red Sox have heeded my advice, as Buchholz is reportedly dealing with a hyperextended knee and could miss his next start.

Now, there’s a pretty good chance that there’s nothing physically wrong with Buchholz. However, after his last start which saw him last just three innings and walk eight batters– three more than his previous career high– it’s clear that there is something wrong with Buchholz. This hyperextended knee is likely just an excuse to place Buchholz on the disabled list and give him some rest. Ideally that rest will help Buchholz to set himself straight and return to form as one of the top starters in the American League as he was last season.

If Buchholz does go onto the disabled list, then the Red Sox would have to either promote a starter from Pawtucket or give a spot start to Chris Capuano. While Capuano has been a starter every season of his career except for this year, he has been excellent out of the bullpen this season, posting a 2.00 ERA in 27.0 innings pitched. It wouldn’t make sense to displace Capuano from the bullpen, where he is also the Red Sox’ only long reliever, so it’s likely that the Red Sox recall either Allen Webster or Rubby de la Rosa from the PawSox.

Both have had plenty of success in Triple-A this season, posting 3.02 and 3.04 ERA’s respectively. However, they would only a be a temporary solution in the big league rotation. Given Buchholz’s success in the past, the Red Sox will give him every chance to sort himself out and return to form; however, right now the best option is clearly to sit and it appears that that could happen for his next turn in the rotation.