MLB Trade Rumors: Clay Buchholz Injury Could Lead Red Sox to Trade
By Chris Roling
The Boston Red Sox have been doing a mediocre job at staying out of the MLB trade rumor spotlight this offseason, and Clay Buchholz’s injury certainly is not helping things.
Instead of making his return to the team on a rehab basis, Buchholz is instead taking time to strengthen his arm, which may be causing the brass that run the Red Sox to consider making a trade according to Tim Britton of the Providence Journal:
"The issue now for Boston is that it won’t have much time to get a read on Buchholz’s long-term health before the trade deadline. Buchholz’s availability is, in Farrell’s own words, “the biggest key for us in the second half.” If Buchholz suffers another setback or isn’t 100-percent healthy, the Red Sox would have to think considerably harder about adding another starter to the mix."
That is an issue indeed. If Buchholz is not ready to go and the coaching staff does not feel they can count on him after the deadline, then making a move at this point is the only option that makes sense.
Boston obviously wants to try and remain competitive. Buchholz potentially cannot be relied on, so the Red Sox have to take a serious gamble in the next week or so. Gamble on Buchholz’s health and stand pat, or not trust his iffy injury and make a move.
How Boston plays the Buchholz and deadline situation could have a massive impact on the rest of the season.
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