The Boston Red Sox dealt for Drew Pomeranz to answer their need for starting pitching, making Clay Buchholz, who has been in and out of the rotation since May, even more expendable.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that the Kansas City Royals have shown interest in Buchholz. Cafardo suggests that reliever Luke Hochevar would be a fit for the Red Sox in a potential deal.
The Royals likely believe they can get the version of Buchholz that had a 3.26 ERA last season and struck out almost a batter per inning instead of the one that has been shelled as a starter this year. Buchholz has a team option at $13 million next season with a $500,000 buyout. The Royals would likely ask the Red Sox to pick up a portion of the right-hander's remaining salary and use the rest of the season as an audition to see if they will keep him around next year.
Hochevar has been solid in his second year back from Tommy John surgery, posting a 3.86 ERA in 40 games. A free agent at the end of the season, Hochevar could be a short-term addition to Boston's bullpen for the stretch run. The Red Sox are unsure how long Koji Uehara (pectoral strain) will be out but could get Craig Kimbrel (knee) back as soon as next week.
