Red Sox Give Updates On Lester, Buchholz
BOSTON (CBS) - The Red Sox now have three of their five starting pitchers on the disabled list, but at least two of them are expected to return at some point this season.
Jon Lester was placed on the 15-day DL Wednesday with a strained Lat in his back and team doctor Thomas Gill released the following statement on the left-hander's condition.
"Jon Lester had an MRI (Wednesday) which confirmed the diagnosis of a latissimus strain. He will be treated with a period of rest from throwing, followed by progressive strengthening program. There is no specific timeframe for his return at this time. His status will be better defined following the All-Star break."
Gallery: Red Sox On The DL
Lester was scheduled to pitch Sunday before the All-Star break, but was scratched after leaving Tuesday night's win against the Blue Jays. Manager Terry Francona planned to have Lester take the last spot in the rotation out of the break, and the trip to the DL will give him a couple extra days to rest.
However, with no specific timeframe on his return, Lester could be on the DL longer than expected if his back does not respond to rest.
The news was pretty much the same on Clay Buchholz, who has been on the disabled list since June 19, also with back discomfort. Buchholz visited with a back specialist in North Caroline on Wednesday, who agreed with the Red Sox assessment of the right-hander.
"Clay Buchholz was seen in consultation by Dr. Craig Brigham today in Charlotte. Dr. Brigham agreed with the team's assessment that the back symptoms can be treated with rehabilitation. Clay will be advanced in his activities as his symptoms allow."
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The Red Sox saw both of these assessments as positive. After Wednesday's 6-4 win, Francona said Lester would not throw again until after the All-Star break and Buchholz would move ahead "as tolerated". No timetable will be set on either pitcher, according to Tito.
"We're going to go according to how they do," he said. "Putting a time frame isn't fair to them at all."
Lester was 10-4 with a 3.31 ERA before getting injured. Buchholz was 6-3 with an ERA of 3.48.
Starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was placed on the disabled list in May and underwent Tommy John Surgery in June.
