Red Sox Place Buchholz On DL, Call Up Pitching Prospect Brian Johnson
BOSTON (CBS) – The Red Sox rotation was dealt a blow Friday night with an injury to their top starting pitcher. But as a result, fans may now get a look at one of its top prospects.
The team announced the moves in a statement on Saturday.
Brian Johnson has been called up to the major leagues while Clay Buchholz has been placed on the 15-day disabled list. Johnson is widely considered one of the top pitchers in the Red Sox farm system.
Buchholz told reporters at Fenway Park that he has no ligament damage in his elbow, but will take the week off from throwing. Johnson is at Fenway Park on Saturday.
Johnson has an ERA of 2.73 with 81 strikeouts in 85.2 innings pitched so far this year with AAA Pawtucket. Overall, he has an ERA of 2.36 in 320 minor league innings since 2012.
Buchholz left Friday night's start against the New York Yankees with tightness in his elbow.
Prior to the injury, he had been anchoring the Red Sox staff with a 7-7 record, compiling a 3.26 ERA and 107 strikeouts.
The Red Sox play the Yankees on Saturday and Sunday before the team has four days off for the all-star break.
