Now that the Red Sox potential 8-man rotation is down to 7 with the announcement that Curt Schilling is having season-ending shoulder surgey, who of the 7 will not make the starting 5?

As already stated, Justin Masterson seems destined for the bullpen. That leaves Bartolo Colon and Clay Buchholz going for the last spot, assuming everyone else is healthy.

If Colon is healthy and effective, he seems to get the nod.

But what if Buchholz is showing he can consistently be dominant? Like on Friday ...

Buchholz threw five innings for Pawtucket and faced 17 batters (1 hit, 1 hit-batter). He allowed no runs, no walks, and struck out 6. He threw only 51 pitches, 35 of those for strikes.

The low pitch count likely means Buchholz is being monitored, to allow for heavier use later.

Jose Vaquedano did not have a good night in relief in Pawtucket. He did not get anyone out, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs ... Hunter Jones got his first save (2 IP, 1 H, 3 K).

Portland was quiet in a 6-1 loss, getting 5 hits.

Lancaster third-baseman continues to make a push for promotion to Portland. He went 2-for-5 with a homer, and is batting .352.

Pitcher Michael Lee, the recent 8th round draft pick out of Oklahoma City, made his pro debut with 2 innings of relief for Lowell. Looked good: 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K.

E-mail this entry to a friend