Thursday Links

Photo by Kelly O’Connor of sittingstill.smugmug.net

After dropping the first two games of the series, the Red Sox were able to salvage the third and final match against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday. In his first start since hitting the disabled list in late May, Clay Buchholz tossed an effective 7.1 innings of 7 hit, 4 run baseball. In support of Buchholz, the Red Sox bats managed to push 5 runs across the plate against Seattle’s starter, Hisashi Iwakuma. David Ortiz was responsible for most of Boston’s production, as the DH collected 3 RBI; 2 on a home run and 1 on scoring single. Daniel Nava also had a productive night at the dish, collecting 3 hits and an RBI in 4 trips the plate. In the 9th inning, with Boston up by a run, Koji Uehara allowed 2 one out base runners before collecting a strike out and a ground out to retire the side.

• With Clay Buchholz returning from the disabled list on Wednesday, the Red Sox designated Chris Capuano for assignment in order to clear a roster spot. The left-hander’s career in Boston began with Capuano stringing together a series of scoreless appearances. However, most recently the veteran hurler became a bullpen liability, allowing 16 runs in his last 17 games. (Red Sox designate Chris Capuano, activate Clay Buchholz)

• With more than 3 months of baseball still left to play, the Red Sox current deficit in the standings doesn’t seem insurmountable at its surface. But given the amount of teams that the Red Sox will need to leapfrog in order to capture a playoff berth, the odds aren’t in their favor. (The Red Sox are further back than it seems)

• A sign of a good major league player is their ability to make adjustments when the game gets tough, something that Jackie Bradley has been forced to realize early on in his career. The 23 year old’s most recent adjustment includes a more open stance, resulting in better plate coverage. (Going back to old stance paying dividends for Jackie Bradley Jr.)

• Shane Victorino’s return to the Red Sox line-up endured yet another setback on Wednesday. The veteran outfielder has been on the disabled list for the majority of the 2014 season, experiencing problems with his hamstring and his back. Originally, the Red Sox had hoped that Victorino would be ready for their upcoming series in New York, but it seems like he’ll stay in Pawtucket for the time being. (Victorino has setback; return on hold)

• Former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling announced via Twitter yesterday that his cancer has gone into remission. The 47 year old never actually specified what type of cancer he battled, but nevertheless it’s great to see him overcome such adversity. (Curt Schilling says cancer is in remission)

• Tweet of the day: Blast from the past in Seattle.