The extent of Wakefield's injury is uncertain, although Boston.com is reporting that it's a lower back strain. Wakefield, a first-time All-Star this season at the age of 42, has been placed on the disabled list retroactive to July 18.
Buchholz, 24, will make the trip to Texas from Pawtucket and will get his second start for the Red Sox in six days.
On Friday, July 17, in Toronto, Buchholz grabbed his first major league victory since May 2, 2008. The righty went 5 2/3 innings against the Jays, allowing just four hits and one run as the Red Sox took down the Blue Jays 4-1. Although he was sent back to Pawtucket following the outing (as expected), Buchholz proved that he’s well on his way to returning to his 2007 form when he went 3-1 with a 1.59 ERA in four starts.
"I knew the situation before I came up," Buchholz told MLB.com after the game. "I'm just thankful for the opportunity to be here and play with these guys again. The starting rotation they have here right now is pretty unbelievable. It is what it is. It's not my timetable. I know where I want to be, and this is definitely it, but I'll bide some more time, go back to Pawtucket, and maybe get a little bit of time off – and when my next start comes, try to get better."
