BOSTON - It took a lot longer than originally anticipated, but Clay Buchholz has finally begun a throwing program after hitting the DL on July 11 with a right elbow strain and receiving a PRP injection on July 22.
Interim manager Torey Lovullo disclosed that Buchholz had begun throwing and that he was scheduled to make 25 throws from 75 feet on Wednesday.
The news so far has been positive.
"He's really encouraged by where he's at and how he's feeling," Lovullo said of Buchholz.
But is there any chance he'll make a return to the mound this season? It doesn't sound likely, but Lovullo's hope is that Buchholz can still make an appearance - even if it's a short one.
"It would be great if he could throw one inning just to see where he's at from a mental standpoint just to give him some confidence moving into the offseason," Lovullo said. "But that's all contingent on him feeling good, getting the right amount of time, and building him up to that moment."
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Another injury that has taken longer to recover from than expected is the concussion Steven Wright sustained back on Aug 12 when a batting practice baseball hit him in the back of the neck.
Wright is still experiencing balance issues, but is working through them and still maintaining some baseball activity, according to Lovullo. The team hopes to know more on Friday.
With Wright down, and Matt Barnes experiencing some elbow soreness, the Sox plans to go to a six-man rotation gets a bit complicated.
Despite the team having three Thursday off-days coming up, Lovullo is still interested in bringing on a sixth starter as to give his younger arms more rest. If that isn't possible, they'd even consider a bullpen day.
The Sox have an off-day tomorrow but that isn't going to change the order of the rotation. Joe Kelly takes the mound on Friday. He'll be followed by Wade Miley and then Eduardo Rodriguez.