Buchholz Reportedly Has Stress Fracture, Likely Out For Season

By Michael Ryan in Featured, Red Sox, Top Story ⋅ August 1, 2011 at 5:13pm ⋅ Post a comment

Erik Bedard, your role with the 2011 Boston Red Sox might have just grown a bit.

Less than 24 hours after the Sox inked a deal to trade for the former Baltimore ace and Seattle staffer, news out of Clay Buchholz camp is looking grim. On the disabled list with a “back” injury since June 15, CSNNE reported this morning that he has a stress fracture. A return for the postseason has not been entirely ruled out, but it is unlikely that Buchholz will pitch again this season.

Although the news about the severity of Buchholz’ injury is just breaking, it may have been known to the Red Sox almost a week ago. After experiencing soreness after a throwing session last Monday, the lanky righty underwent an MRI last Tuesday, which revealed the fracture.

For Red Sox fans, the Theo Epstein trade right before yesterday’s deadline suddenly shifts from an insurance policy to a move that will need to yield results. Barring a full resurgence from an Andrew Miller or John Lackey, Bedard is suddenly the no. 3 guy moving forward.

According to CSNNE’s Sean McAdam, Buchholz will meet with Dr. Thomas Watkins on Monday for a second opinion. He is expected to confirm the stress fracture diagnosis.

Before heading to the DL, Buchholz was following up a 17-7 record in 2010 with a record of 6-3 and an ERA of 3.48 in 2011.

Tags: Clay Buchholz, csnne, Erik Bedard, MRI, Red Sox, sean mcadam, seattle, Theo Epstein, thomas watkins