BOSTON (AP) -The Red Sox optioned starting pitcher Justin Masterson to Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday and hope to convert him into a relief pitcher there.
Manager Terry Francona said the team is preparing to recall right-hander Clay Buchholz, who will take Masterson’s spot as the fifth starter. Buchholz was sent to the minors to work on his fastball command after spending the last two weeks of May on the disabled list.
Buchholz, who threw a no-hitter in his second major league start on Sept. 1, against Baltimore, struggled in his first eight starts this season for Boston. He was 2-3 with a 5.53 ERA before tearing the nail on his right middle finger.
For now, the Red Sox recalled first baseman Jeff Bailey from Pawtucket to take Masterson’s place on the roster.
The right-handed Masterson has been impressive as a rookie starter, going 4-3 with a 3.67 ERA in nine starts. He lost his last two starts, including Saturday, when he allowed two runs in six innings at Yankee Stadium.
The Red Sox have been looking for consistency from their middle relief corps as a bridge to closer Jonathan Papelbon. Relievers Mike Timlin, Craig Hansen, Hideki Okajima and Manny Delcarmen have all struggled at times in the seventh and eighth innings.
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