Buchholz last pitched on Friday, April 3, and is not slated to see game action again until the Sunday matinee against the Royals on April 11. In other words, he is essentially skipping a start.
He threw bullpen sessions on Monday and Tuesday, and the simulated game will get him in front of batters to make sure he stays sharp, according to The Providence Journal. He intends to pitch the equivalent of three innings, even resting briefly between innings to simulate the Red Sox offense getting its raps.
"I just wanted to get in and face some hitters and get some looks instead of just throwing a bullpen and not face some hitters," the right-hander noted. "It's better than anything to take some rest in between to get rid of … the spring training fatigue I was feeling a week ago."
Buchholz has had to adjust to an abrupt schedule change, going from getting up early during spring training to staying up late in the regular season. As a result, Buchholz has missed out on some much-needed sleep.
"I haven't gotten to sleep in a day yet, but maybe [Wednesday] I'll get to sleep in until 10 or so and get back on schedule," he said.
