Boston Red Sox: Starting Rotation Is Reason for Worry

The 2010 season was one of the most injury prone seasons in Boston Red Sox history, ultimately leading to the team missing the post season. 

Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury and Kevin Youkilis all suffered major injuries that forced them to miss a majority of the season.

This season seems like much of the same, although, it is the pitching staff with major injuries and not the offense.

The dominoes began to fall on May 17 when Daisuke Matsuzaka was placed on the disabled list. It took a turn for the worse when it was reported on June 2 that Matsuzaka will be out for the season and will require Tommy John Surgery. 

It got worse for the Sox in June when Clay Buchholz headed to the disabled list.

At first, it appeared that Buchholz wouldn't miss much time but in August, it was reported that he would miss an extended period of time with a stress fracture in his back.

When Josh Beckett left Monday's game with an ankle injury, it became apparent that this season was becoming eerily familiar to that of 2010.

It appears as though Beckett will be okay, though, and only miss a couple starts. Good news for both the Red Sox and their postseason chances because if Beckett was unable to go in the postseason, the Red Sox simply would have no chance. 

Even with Beckett healthy, the Red Sox should be worried about their rotation when it is time to play postseason baseball. After Beckett and Lester, they have a bunch of question marks with very few answers.

Erik Bedard has yet to win a single game as a Red Sox despite pitching pretty well but he has never sniffed postseason play and could be a liability as the No. 3 starter in the postseason.

The other option, John Lackey, has been nothing short of dreadful with the highest ERA among qualifying starting pitchers in the league at 6.11. He does have postseason experience as a member of the Los Angeles Angels, but he has shown nothing this season to prove that he can be relied on in a game three in either the ALDS, ALCS or World Series.

If the Red Sox have any chance of making a deep run into the postseason they have one hope and one hope only, Clay Buchholz.

According to ESPN Boston, Buchholz has been progressing recently from his back injury and has been throwing from 90 feet with pitching coach Curt Young. The next step is to throw from 120 feet and once he does that without pain, Buchholz will be able to start throwing off a mound.

Ideally, the Red Sox would like Buchholz to get on a mound as soon as possible so he can be stretched out in time to be able to start games for the team in the postseason. If this is to happen, Buchholz will have to make some sort of rehab start whether it be in Pawtucket or a meaningless game in Boston, so the team can see what he can do.

If he isn't able to get stretched out, the Red Sox could also use Buchholz to sure up a struggling bullpen as of late. 

Matt Albers, the shoe-in for the seventh inning man in before Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon early on, has faded off and can't seem to get anyone out currently and Dan Wheeler has yet to show that he can be relied on in a playoff situation.

With Alfredo Aceves better suited for the long relief role when Bedard or Lackey get knocker around early, Buchholz could step in during the playoffs and be the seventh inning man if he is comfortable and willing in that role.

Either way, the Red Sox will need some sort of contribution from Buchholz if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs, preferably as a their third starter. If he isn't able to come back, expect an early exit in either the ALDS or ALCS.