On Friday, the Boston Red Sox moved right-hander Clay Buchholz to the bullpen after he posted a 6.35 ERA through his first 10 starts of the 2016 season. Naturally, he doesn’t sound particularly pleased about the demotion.
Buchholz didn’t speak with the media Friday after Red Sox manager John Farrell announced the move, and he again declined comment before Saturday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays, according to reporters on the scene.
Buchholz wasn't happy to see reporters looking for comment this morning. "I got moved to the bullpen. You can write it down."
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) May 28, 2016
Clay Buchholz did not wish to take any questions. "I got moved to the bullpen. Write it down."
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) May 28, 2016
Buchholz declined to speak to reporters again today, other than muttering, "I got (expletive) moved to the bullpen. You can write it down."
— Brian MacPherson (@brianmacp) May 28, 2016
Buchholz, who has made just two relief appearances in his major league career and none since 2008, entered the weekend with the second-worst ERA among all qualified major league starters. He’s also tied for third in the American League in home runs allowed with 12 and has given up five or more earned runs in six of his 10 starts.
Eduardo Rodriguez, who has yet to pitch at the major league level this season after suffering a knee injury during spring training, will take over Buchholz’s spot in the rotation. The 23-year-old lefty is set to make his season debut Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles.
Thumbnail photo via David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports Images