All About Pitching For The Red Sox Right Now
BOSTON (CBS) The Red Sox continued their slump Friday night in Tampa as they fell to the Rays 7-2. Tampa is now just 5-1/2 games behind the Sox in the AL Wild Card chase, the closest they've been since July 21st.
John Lackey gave up a three-run homer to the light-hitting catcher John Jaso in the 2nd inning and the Sox were done. Lackey went just 3 innings, giving up 5 runs on 5 hits. In his last 3 starts, he's 0-3....tossing 15 innings while giving up 15 runs on 20 hits. Ouch!
If the Sox are going to right their ship... and I believe they will... they have to pitch better. Much better. Quality starts are needed.
Rookie Kyle Weiland goes Saturday night with Ace Jon Lester taking the bump Sunday. They need to take at least one of the remaining game, or we know how things can get in Boston.
The good news for the Red Sox is it appears a few of their walking wounded are on the mend. Clay Buchholz, out since June with a bad back, made 70 throws from 120 feet on Friday, a session manager Terry Francona called "encouraging." Trainer Mike Reinold and pitching coach Curt Young have mapped out a plan for Clay, and Francona would not rule out a return this season.
Josh Beckett has also been throwing as he recovers from a sprained ankle. While no return has been set for either of the Sox pitchers, just having them active is a good sign.
When it comes to their rotation, the Sox could use all the help they can get right now...
