What a difference a week has made when it comes to the Red Sox' starting pitching rotation.
The Sox have done some shaking up of things in the last week, and the impact has been felt on the club's pitching staff. Josh Beckett was traded to Los Angeles over the weekend, but Daisuke Matsuzaka was activated (and pitched well) Monday against Kansas City. Meanwhile, Felix Doubront made his return to the rotation last week after missing some time with a knee issue and to get some rest.
Boston's postseason hopes are all but dead, but that doesn't mean the games are meaningless — at least to those who take the hill for the Red Sox. Pitchers are jockeying for position moving forward, and this week will be another test for the starting rotation.
Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz will look to make a positive push toward the end of the season and end their campaigns on a good note. Franklin Morales hopes to bounce back after another rough outing, and a strong start for him will help further his case for a starting spot moving forward.
When it's all said and done, who will be this week's Amica Pitcher of the Week?