By Maureen Mullen
CSNNE.comFollow @maureenamullen
BOSTONRed Sox manager Terry Francona said Clay Buchholz had just normal stiffness after his 32-pitch simulated inning Monday afternoon.
But no repercussions or anything, which is really good news, Francona said. Hell either throw again Thursday or Friday. We just want to see how hes feeling, travel, theres some things we need to sift through.
There is a possibility Buchholz could pitch on the six-game season-ending road trip to New York and Baltimore, which starts Friday. If he does pitch, it would be out of the bullpen.
I think in fairness to him, were going to keep taking it one step at a time, Francona said. The last thing I want to do is make it sound like Buck failed . . . this kids done a great job trying to help us out. The good news is he feels really good. If he can pitch, thatll be a big bonus.
Hes not ready to start. He cant do that. Hes not stretched out enough.
Carl Crawford went 3-for-3, with two RBI, and a run scored, falling a home run shy of the cycle. It was his seventh game this season with at least three hits and first since Aug. 7 against the Yankees. He has a team-leading six triples this season, and is the majors active leader with 111.
Jacoby Ellsbury went 1-for-4, extending his hit streak against the Os to 33 games since April 17, 2009, the longest hit streak ever against the Os franchise.
Boston Red Sox
Adrian Gonzalez now has 208 hits this season, passing Mo Vaughn for most ever by a Sox first baseman. Vaughn had 207 in 1996. Gonzalez hit .500 (31-for-62) against the O's this season, with eight doubles, eight walks, 13 runs scored, and 14 RBI in 15 games.
The Os scored first in the game, on Mark Reynolds second-inning solo homer. Opponents have scored 1st offRed Sox pitching in eight of the last nine games, 11 of 13, 12 of 16, and 19 of the last 23 games since Aug. 30.
Dustin Pedroia batted fifth Wednesday, for the first time this season. Mike Aviles, continuing to play third base in the absence of Kevin Youkilis, batted second.
Were missing Youk and I think the way Aviles is swinging so well right now we can hit him second and he can run a little bit and hes hot and well have Pedey protect David Ortiz and Gonzalez," Francona said.
I talked to Pedey today because I didnt want to do it . . . But I think it sets up well and puts us in our best position.
I think he likes hitting in the top of the order, and I actually like him there because he has a chance to hit one more time, but he can hit anywhere.
The starting rotation is still in some flux. Jon Lester and Tim Wakefield will start the first two games in New York. Erik Bedard will not start Sunday. John Lackey could take Sundays start, with Bedard starting Tuesday.
Weve got to figure it out. Weve got three days there. Obviously a lot of moving parts.
One of those moving parts could be Alfredo Aceves going into the rotation.
Youkilis and J.D. Drew will both try hitting Friday in New York.
Gonzalezs left calf is still bothering him.
Were aware of what he can and cant do and hes never really been a burner anyway, Francona said. If we get late in the game, well take him out to run.
Boxer Micky Ward threw out the ceremonial first pitch, caught by Darnell McDonald.
Maureen Mullen is on Twitter at http:twitter.commaureenamullen.