Buchholz throws well in rehab; to stay at Pawtucket for now

In his first start since going on the DL, Clay Buchholz threw 63 pitches over four-plus innings. After such a minor injury as a broken fingernail, he was able to touch 96 mph on the gun there, though that’s the same gun that clocked Bartolo Colon at 97 mph (in reality, Colon is throwing about 3-4 mph slower than that).

31-19: Sox sweep Royals, go 7-0 on homestand

Boston swept Kansas City in this 4-game series, making it a perfect homestand. The Red Sox are quickly compiling the best home record out of anyone in baseball; they are now 21-5 at Fenway for the year. Kicking off a series with a no-hitter must do some serious psychological damage to the team that got no-hit, because the Royals struggled offensively until game 4 in this one.

Masterson, Colon to get the ball against KC

Terry Francona announced that with yesterday’s doubleheader and Clay Buchholz still on the DL, the Sox will go with Justin Masterson on Tuesday and Bartolo Colon on Wednesday against the Kansas City Royals. It’s likely that Colon stays until Buchholz finds his way back onto the roster. Hold on to your hats folks, this could get interesting.

Trade rumors: Tavarez, Aardsma, Lopez, Lugo

ESPN’s Jayson Stark has some Red Sox rumors:

Buchholz to the DL; Van Every recalled

And now the explanation for Clay Buchholz‘s last start: he is dealing with a broken fingernail on the middle finger of his pitching hand. I can see how that might make throwing a curveball kinda difficult. The Red Sox don’t want him having any more unnecessary bad starts (plus they need to limit his innings, remember?), so they’ve put him on the 15-day DL today.

Roster update: Corey traded, Colon strong, Lowrie, Tavarez, Alvarez

Boston traded reliever Bryan Corey to the San Diego Padres yesterday for either cash or a PTBNL. I think it’s a good move for Corey, who stands to get more playing time for the Pads; I think it also shows the front office’s growing confidence in young arms like Craig Hansen and Justin Masterson, who could stick in the Sox bullpen if injuries strike.

Personnel update: Colon, Lowrie, Tavarez

Just links here:

Bartolo Colon was sent to Pawtucket on a rehab assignment. He has until June 1 to make the big league club, or he can opt out of his minor league deal.

Seems that Francona has taken a liking to Jed Lowrie. Since Lowrie is more than a middle infielder, and can also play third, he will stick with the club once Alex Cora returns in a couple of days. My guess as to who gets the axe? Craig Hansen again.

Julian Tavarez isn’t upset about the recent trade rumors sending him to Colorado. He’d rather start, as would any Major League pitcher.

Schilling to toss today, Colon on track

Curt Schilling is scheduled to make about 25 throws at 60 feet today. Schilling feels good, and now admits the Red Sox medical staff were right with their recommendation against surgery. There’s a very nice article in the Globe by Gordon Edes retelling the whole story.

If Schilling can return to this rotation for any significant amount of time, it can only be a boon for the Red Sox, who have looked thin at starter at times this season.

The rotation depth is beginning to look outstanding, as Bartolo Colon threw two scoreless innings against the Orioles’ extended Spring Training squad. He threw 19 pitches plus 16 more in the bullpen, and topped out at 93 mph. He will meet with the Sox medical staff, then be assigned to Pawtucket to build his endurance back up.

Injury report: Drew, Moss, Cora, Schilling, Colon, Crisp, Ellsbury

It’s a good thing that J.D. Drew could come back and play, because Brandon Moss had to have an emergency appendectomy following his 2-4 performance on Friday, in which he hit a HR and threw out a runner at home from the outfield.

Colon to stick around until June 1

For those of you who were wondering, Bartolo Colon has negotiated a new agreement with the Red Sox that extends his opt out date until June 1. Colon strained his oblique on April 5th, and has resumed throwing. He has pitched a bullpen session, and plans to throw an inning or two for Pawtucket early next week.