Spring Training Report: Buchholz sharp in Sox win
SARASOTA (AP) – Clay Buchholz has done everything he can to win a spot on the Boston Red Sox.
Buchholz threw six sharp innings and Boston rallied for a 2-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds Wednesday. The right-hander allowed an unearned run and three hits, lowering his spring ERA to 0.46.
Buchholz was sent back to the minor leagues last season after going 2-9 with a 6.75 ERA in his second year with the Red Sox. Boston since has added veteran pitchers John Smoltz and Brad Penny.
“I’ve had a good spring,” Buchholz said. “I know they have their eye on someone else, but even if I’m at Pawtucket, I’m still pitching and I’m a phone call away.”
Buchholz’s errant pickoff attempt led to Jeff Keppinger’s RBI single in the sixth inning.
Cincinnati’s Johnny Cueto was even better, surrendering two hits in six scoreless innings. He struck out five and walked none.
Smoltz pitched from the mound in a Red Sox uniform for the first time Wednesday, testing his surgically repaired shoulder by throwing 40 pitches in the bullpen.
Smoltz, who turns 42 in May, threw to a crouching catcher for just the second time since having surgery to repair a torn Labrum on June 10. His first mound session was in December for Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell. Smoltz then signed with Boston in January, ending his 20-year tenure with the Braves. He has played catch off a mound this spring, throwing to a standing catcher.