NEW YORK -- When the Boston Red Sox drew up their initial pitching plans for after the All-Star break, they slotted in Clay Buchholz to make a start at some point next week at Fenway Park.
But then they traded for All-Star left-hander Drew Pomeranz.
So, as the Red Sox prepared Saturday to continue their three-game series at Yankee Stadium, Buchholz roamed the clubhouse as a pitcher without a role. He's back in the bullpen for now, manager John Farrell said, but after nearly a decade as a starter in the big leagues, the Sox's longest-tenured pitcher and 2015 Opening Day starter seems ill-suited for long relief.
Buchholz's status is about to get even more complicated with the Red Sox set to make a series of pitching moves. Pomeranz is expected to be added to the roster Sunday, at which point right-hander William Cuevas likely will be optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket. Beyond that, though, the Red Sox must make room for reliever Junichi Tazawa (right-shoulder impingement) to come off the disabled list next week. And right-hander Joe Kelly is pitching well in Triple-A in his new multi-inning relief role.
Farrell met with Buchholz on Friday and told him to be ready for anything, including the possibility that he could be reinserted into the rotation if lefty Eduardo Rodriguez falters again. Buchholz already has been bounced from the rotation twice, having posted a 6.31 ERA and allowed 77 hits and 31 walks in 71-1/3 innings over 13 starts.
Buchholz can't be sent to the minors without his consent. And the Red Sox likely would be hesitant to simply designate the 31-year-old right-hander for assignment out of fear that one of the many pitching-needy American League contenders might scoop him up. Imagine, for instance, if Buchholz signed with the Baltimore Orioles and beat the Red Sox in a big start down the stretch.
"He's aware that his spot on the pitching staff is in the bullpen until changes are deemed necessary," Farrell said. "He's going to pitch in multiple innings when those opportunities arise."
Farrell said Buchholz might even start a simulated game on a day off Monday to help keep retain his arm strength. At some point, though, the Red Sox will have to decide if keeping Buchholz on the roster as little more than a last-ditch starting-rotation insurance policy is really the best course of action.
