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Red Sox-Blue Jays Preview

Jul 17, 2009 - 1:01 AM By MIKE LIPKA STATS Writer

Boston (54-34) at Toronto (44-46), 7:07 p.m. EDT

In 20 appearances, Clay Buchholz's major league career has already included highs and lows most pitchers don't experience in several seasons.

It has also been on hiatus for the last 11 months, but the young right-hander will finally get another chance to pitch for the Boston Red Sox on Friday.

The AL leaders will give Buchholz the ball as the Red Sox come out of the All-Star break by opening a six-game road trip with the first of three against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Buchholz was a highly regarded prospect who created even more excitement on September 1, 2007 when he pitched a no-hitter against Baltimore in only his second big league appearance.

His 2008 season wasn't quite as glamorous, however, as he went 2-9 with a 6.75 ERA, losing his last seven decisions before getting sent to Triple-A Pawtucket on Aug. 20.

With Boston's rotation stocked with veterans including John Smoltz and Brad Penny, Buchholz has spent all of this year in the minors. But his 7-2 record and 2.36 ERA - with just 67 hits allowed in 99 innings - has helped him earn what could be a one-start stint with Boston.

"I really think it sets up our rotation a little bit," manager Terry Francona told the Red Sox's official Web site. "We wanted to be consistent with our guys' rest. Everybody will get a turn through, and we wanted to see Buch pitch, too.

"There are a lot of reasons for it, but I think there's some validity to giving him the ball and letting him go."

Buchholz will face a Toronto rookie whose ascent to the majors has been a bit smoother. Ricky Romero (7-3, 3.00 ERA) has been a huge boost for a banged-up Blue Jays rotation, and the left-hander is 4-0 with a 2.28 ERA in his last six starts.

"The hard work has paid off," Romero said. "I still have a whole lot of second half to prepare for."

Romero struggled in his lone start against Boston, allowing five runs in four innings of an 8-2 loss May 31. He walked five and gave up home runs to Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis.

That was the Red Sox's only win in a three-game series at Rogers Centre after they swept Toronto at Fenway Park from May 19-21.

Pedroia missed the All-Star Game to be with his pregnant wife, and it's unclear if he'll return Friday. The reigning AL MVP is 20 for 52 (.385) with nine RBIs in his last 11 games.

His hot streak helped the Red Sox (54-34) win five of six - including three straight - going into the break, opening up a three-game lead on the New York Yankees in the AL East.

"The second half is when it matters for real," resurgent slugger David Ortiz said. "The most important thing for this ballclub since I've been here is to look forward to winning a lot of games in the second half so we can go to the playoffs."

The Blue Jays (44-46) spent much of the early part of the season leading the division, but they have lost 12 of their last 15. The team also announced last week that it was fielding trade offers for ace Roy Halladay.

"I think this break comes at a good time," outfielder Vernon Wells said after a 4-2 loss to Baltimore on Sunday. "... Hopefully when we get back to work we'll have a better second half."