Before we get to Terry Francona's comments on Clay Buchholz, it's interesting to point out that Buchholz is not on the roster yet. The Red Sox have not completed the move that opens up the vacancy for Buchholz. "I promise we will," Francona said.

The move presumably is to trade Wily Mo Pena (who was not found in the clubhouse) or designate him for assignment.

"Buchholz is going to pitch," Francona assured the media before the game. "We’ll have the announcement when we’re ready to."

As for Buchholz, don't look for his stay in Boston to be long, even if he dominates today, Francona said.

"This kid can come up and pitch a no-hitter. He's going back down.

"This kid is still on the fast track of development. But it’s a great opportunity to watch him pitch ...

"We don’t think his development is over. That doesn’t mean he can’t get people out. But he’s still a young kid learning the game. It’s exciting. And it will be fun to see how he reacts today. But there is still a lot of development still left."

Doug Mirabelli is catching Buchholz. That has just as much to do with the second game. Josh Beckett and Jason Varitek have been a tandem most of the season. Mirabelli did catch Buchholz during his one major league spring training start.

Mirabeli met with Buchholz yesterday. They played catch and Buchholz even threw some off the Fenway mound.

When asked why Julian Tavarez did not get the start today, Francona gave two reasons. One is that he did not want to burn a relief pitcher (although there is a chance that Tavarez will get the start Sunday). The other is to use Buchholz.

"When you add a pitcher that’s not on your roster, whatever he gives you is free innings. We have 18 ininngs to account for today, minimum. This gives you an extra pitcher going into a doubleheader.

"He’ll have a ton of butterflies, his heart beating. But he has a chance to show what he can do.

"In spring training (the Red Sox player development staff) kind of said that this wouldn’t be a shocker, if this kid wound up pitching in the big leagues this year …There has been a lot of thought into this."

Did Francona give Buchholz any advice?

"One thing I did say was that, when it doubt, go to your strengths."

Francona was asked to clarify his no-hitter remark. Would he really send Buchholz back down?

"He’s going back. If he throws a no-hitter, I may send him back with a present. But he’s going back."

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