Buchholz Feels Good After Simulated Start
BOSTON (CBS) – Clay Buchholz threw 32 pitches in a simulated game on Tuesday, as the injured Red Sox starter tries to work his way back for the playoffs.
Buchholz tossed in the Fenway Park outfield, with a few teammates looking on, before taking to the mound.
Afterward the session, he said he felt no pain in his back.
"It went really well, I think I threw 25 in the bullpen and 30 or so out there," said Buchholz. "Location wasn't what it should, which is expected, but the ball was coming out of my hand and no problem with my back."
Buchholz pitched to minor leaguers Lars Anderson, Ryan Lavarnway and Joey Gathright. He did not go all the way with his pitches, but felt good with his effort.
"I didn't cut loose on any fastballs like I do in a game," he said. "It wasn't a 100 percent effort but I threw every pitch that I throw. If I had to put a number on it, it was 85-90 percent today."
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"He actually looked pretty good," said manager Terry Francona. "We'll obviously wait and see how he bounces back, and then see when and where to go with the next step."
Buchholz said he will likely throw again Thursday or Friday.
The right-hander has been out since mid-June with a strained lower back, but hopes to return and play a role in the postseason.
"Today was the first step in that direction. Everything felt good," said Buchholz. "It's tough right now (watching), but I'm trying to get to the point where I can come back and help the team win."
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It is unlikely Buchholz would be able to return as a starter, but he could help Boston out of the bullpen.
A 17-game winner in 2010, Buchholz was 6-3 with a 3.48 ERA at the time of injury.
