Red Sox manager Terry Francona said that Curt Schilling will not be pitching in the Friday doubleheader with the Angels but will, instead, pitch on an extra day's rest, on Saturday.

It figures that Clay Buchholz will get the call. Buchholz started for Pawtucket on Sunday and was limited to 80 pitches. Hmmm.

Buchholz gave up two earned runs (both solo homers) and struck out nine.

It will be interesting to see what the Red Sox do if Buchholz does pitch on Friday and does well, and if Jon Lester struggles again, in his start on Tuesday.

If Lester has another bad outing (and again taxes the bullpen), the Red Sox cannot afford for him to work out the kinks in the majors, while the Yankees close in.

Speaking of working out the kinks, the Red Sox cannot let Eric Gagne re-find himself in pressure situations. Give him some garbage innings to regain the confident that must be shot by now. The bullpen, which was good before Gagne came, can afford to move on without him in key situations.

Back in Pawtucket, we await the promotion of Bobby Kielty to the majors (assuming Wily Mo Pena can be traded, or is just released). But there is also the case of Jacoby Ellsbury. His average is up to .293. He should definitely be in Boston by September and then likely on the playoff roster (and, yes, speaking of the playoffs is now an assumption and not a guarantee).

And speaking of September call-ups, will shortstop Jed Lowrie be in the mix? After a 2-for-4 game Sunday, his average in Pawtucket is at .338.

The blog will be back Wednesday after two days off.

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