Clay Buchholz threw 18 pitches in Fort Myers, Fla., on Monday, and could pitch Wednesday in Baltimore for the Red Sox, but only if the game does not mean anything in the standings, manager Terry Francona told reporters.
Buchholz is attempting to come all the way back from a stress fracture in his lower back. He has thrown multiple simulated games in recent days, emphasizing his goal of helping out of the bullpen in the playoffs — if the team makes it.
Jon Lester is lined up to start that game if it remains meaningful.
