When Clay Buchholz was optioned to Pawtucket, it was with explicit instructions to work on (i.e. throw) his fastball.
So far consider it mission accomplished.
Buchholz not only has been using his fastball more – which obviously makes his breaking pitches more effective — but he’s also been topping out at 95 on the McCoy Stadium radar gun.
In three starts from June 14-25, Buchholz was 3-0 with a 0.51 ERA. Over 17 2/3 innings during this stretch, he allowed 12 hits, walked four and fanned 21.
According to PawSox manager Ron Johnson, Buchholz “
