According to Nick Carfardo of the Boston Globe, Jon Lester will hit the disabled list regardless of the results of today’s MRI. Journeyman reliever Scott Atchison has been recalled from AAA Pawtucket to take his spot on the roster, and Alfredo Aceves is expected to take Lester’s spot in the rotation.
While Terry Francona had held out hope that Lester would only need to miss his start on Sunday, and return on the back end of the rotation after the All-Star break; the Red Sox decided to err on the side of caution with their ace lefty. Considering the magnitude of his importance to the team’s regular and postseason success, this is definitely the smart move. So while it might be unsatisfying watching the likes of Aceves, Tim Wakefield, and Andrew Miller toe the rubber in July, it will be worth it when a healthy Lester is taking the mound in September and October.
In other news, Clay Buchholz was examined by back specialists in North Carolina earlier today. The results of his exam haven’t been released, but they will likely be forthcoming after they’ve been discussed with the Red Sox medical staff. Considering he’s seeing a specialist for his lingering back injury, it’s probably a bet to assume he’s not returning right after the All-Star break. At this point, the best case scenario is to hope for an August 1st activation.