Clay Buchholz is no longer undefeated.
The Boston right hander took his first loss of the season on Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Buchholz who had been 11-0 surrendered three runs (two earned) in six innings of work. While, Buchholz did not get the same result on Saturday that he did in his first two starts since returning from the disabled list, he looked more like the Clay Buchholz that was an early Cy Young contender before shoulder bursitis derailed his season for three months.
In his first two starts back Buchholz gave up five hits and didn't allow an earned run in starts against the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees. However, in those two starts Buchholz walked five men and also hit a batter while only being able to throw 48 percent of his pitches for strikes.
While, the control issues didn't appear to be health related, a Clay Buchholz that throws 48 percents of his pitches for strikes is a lot different that one that threw 69 percent of his pitches for strikes before the injury to his shoulder.
On Saturday, Buchholz took a big step towards showing that he is still the ace of the staff heading into October. Buchholz threw 64 percent of his pitches for strikes and showed great movement and improved command of his fastball. If not for a defensive lapse from Xander Bogaerts and misplay from Shane Victorino, Buchholz could have improved to 12-0.
With only one more start before the playoffs begin it seems unlikely that Buchholz is an option for Game 1 of the ALDS, leaving John Farrell with multiple options with the playoff rotation.
The likely Game 1 starter is Jon Lester. Lester has rebounded since the All Star break going 7-2 with q 2.30 ERA. In four starts in this month Lester is 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA. He has looked every bit the ace that Sox fans remember from before Fried Chicken Gate and has regained the swing and miss capability that he lacked for much of the middle part of the year.
The real question for the Red Sox playoff rotation is who will start Game 2, John Lackey or Clay Buchholz?
While, the obvious answer is Clay Buchholz, especially if he continues to return to form in his final start of the year against the Orioles, the Red Sox should strongly consider starting John Lackey in Game 2.
Lackey, who has been the Sox most consistent pitcher this year, has faired far better at Fenway Park than on the road this year. In 13 home starts this year, Lackey is 6-3 with a 2.47 ERA and has only surrendered 4 homeruns. Compare that to his 16 starts on the road, where Lackey is 4-10 with an ERA of 4.48 and 18 homeruns allowed.
Lackey's road woes were highlighted on Tuesday night Colorado where he gave up four earned runs on three long balls over six innings. The loss to Colorado not only showed how important obtaining the best record is to the Red Sox, but also showed the importance of having Lackey pitch in the friendly confines of Fenway Park.
John Farrell should have no problem anointing Clay Buchholz as the Game 3 starter in either Tampa Bay, Cleveland, or Texas. In six road starts this year Buchholz is 5-0 with a 0.95 ERA and a WHIP of 0.921. In what could be a crucial Game 3 on the road, Buchholz is the man most suited to give the Red Sox a series lead or better yet a series win.
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