TOR 8, BOS 7: Red Sox Clinch Playoffs With Loss to Blue Jays

Adam Lind and the Blue Jays came out firing, beating Clay Buchholz and the Red Sox, 8-7, on Tuesday. However, the Red Sox will cry themselves all the way into the post season, as the Angels worked their magic on the Texas Rangers, sealing a wildcard playoff berth for the Bo Sox.

After a dominant start to the month, Clay Buchholz recorded his second less than stellar start, going eight hits and seven earned runs over five innings. Toronto took advantage of his missteps, launching five home runs off the young righty, with six bombs overall for the evening.

Injuries Among the Contenders

There is nothing that can derail a team quicker than a slew of injuries in October. The Sox have seen their fair share of injuries lately, though the M.A.S.H. unit has had some success returning the boys to action.

But they are not the only team in the hunt, as the Yankees, Twins, Angels, and Tigers all have their own bumps, bruises, and breaks to deal with. And no, we are not including Texas anymore, as their playoff odds have now dropped below half of one percent. The only race left is between Detroit and Minnesota for the AL Central.

Here's a rundown of the significant injuries on each team:

Injuries, Blessings, and Manny Not Being Manny

A Pair of Injuries

On Monday, Junichi Tazawa was placed on the 60-day disabled list due to what has been described as a mild groin strain.

While the groin gives the Sox a formal reason to DL Tazawa, the pitcher had reportedly reached his innings limit, according to the Red Sox official web site. The move also helps make room for Chris Woodward.

The infielder will fill in for Nick Green, who is dealing with a back issue that has manifested as dead leg.

KC 12, BOS 9: Wakefield Gets Waterlogged

With a host of question marks looming over Tim Wakefield's much-anticipated return to the mound, it was the Red Sox bullpen that would leave everyone perplexed, as the Boston Red Sox drop the first game of a four game series to the Kansas City Royals, 12-9, in a come-from-behind win for KC.

At two different points in the game, the Red Sox led by six runs, on the heels of another Jason Bay home run (36 on the year) and a two-run RBI from Jacoby Ellsbury, who has been on fire as of late. Dustin Pedroia added an RBI of his own, before an untimely implosion of the bullpen, in a rain soaked game at Kaufman Stadium.

9/21: Timmeh returns

GAME NOTES: Tim Wakefield returns after having to skip a start due to his constant back pain. He will start only once every 10 days from hereon out. Mike Silver wondered earlier today if this is Wake's final season. Opposing Wake is Lenny DiNardo, a former Red Sox lefty.

Wakefield Set to Return, But For How Long?

After a successful side-session on Friday and strenth test on Saturday, Tim Wakefield prepares to return to the hill on Monday. The return should put him in line for the playoff push, though the reports coming out of Boston are not the most encouraging:

He will pitch once every ten days through the end of the season.

He has a "loose bone fragment" in his lower back which will need offseason surgery and the resultant rehab.

And... that's a lot for a pitcher to endure, especially one with a family, two rings, and nothing left to prove on the mound...

The Turning Point, The Injury Front, and Sleep Tremors

The Turning Point

There's no better way to enter the playoffs than on a hot streak, unless, of course, your opponent is reeling in defeat.

The ninth inning of last night's game must have put a real damper on the spirit in the Los Angeles clubhouse. After reclaiming their lead in the ninth against the unhittable, untouchable Daniel Bard, the Sox were able to steal the victory away when closer Brian Fuentes unraveled with one out to go.

As David Ortiz walked to the plate in the ninth against a left-handed Fuentes, hearts were simultaneously dropping all over New England. Two outs, down one, no one on, and Ortiz hasn't been able to touch lefties since 1945. The game was all but over...

Dice-K making another rehab start Wed.

Via Twitter, Amalie Benjamin (or as the FOXSports announcers would have you believe, 'Molly' Benjamin) says that Daisuke Matsuzaka will make another rehab assignment Wednesday -- the location to be determined.

The Dice Man started for Pawtucket on Saturday and was not pleased with his breaking ball command. Sox officials said they hoped to squeeze one more minor league start out of Matsuzaka.

After the start, Dice-K will rejoin the BoSox. It remains to be seen who he will replace in the rotation. The two candidates are obviously Paul Byrd and Tim Wakefield. My guess? Wakefield looks like he's still hurting a ton, so they'll give Wakefield a breather and work Matsuzaka in. What say you?

9/5: Wakefield returns (triumphantly?)

Wakefield returns! Perhaps the Sox's most consistent starter when healthy, Wake will go against Gavin Floyd, who has a 2-0 career record against Boston.

Reddick Recalled, Wakefield Possible for Saturday, Daisuke Rehabs

-Josh Reddick was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket yesterday. He should provide added depth to an already deep outfield, as well as another option off the bench for pinch hitting duties. Hopefully the outfielder can build off his lackluster start with the big club.

-Tim Wakefield may return to the mound for a Saturday start against the White Sox. Following a cortisone shot on Monday, Wake seems to be feeling better. As ESPN reports, the Sox will wait to see how Wakefield feels on Friday before giving him the go ahead...