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August 23, 2007

Correction: Lester sent to Portland, Javy Lopez recalled

CHICAGO -- In a move that will give them a second left-hander in the bullpen for next week's series against the Yankees, the Red Sox have sent starting pitcher Jon Lester back to Double-A Portland and recalled left-handed reliever Javy Lopez.

''We wanted to figure out a way for Javy Lopez to get back and be part of our bullpen,'' said Terry Francona. ''It's helpful to have another left-hander other than [Hideki] Okajima.''

When asked if Lester's demotion was related to the poor performance in his last start in Tampa, Francona said: ''No, we didn't say we're disappointed with him. Like a lot of young pitchers, there's been some inconsistency. But this is just one start.''

Lester will start Sunday in the Sea Dogs' game at Manchester against New Hampshire. Because he needs, by rule, to spend 10 days in the minors after being sent down, he can't be recalled until Sunday, Sept. 2. He'll start at Fenway Park against the Orioles on that day.

Julian Tavarez will make Lester's scheduled start here on Sunday, but the Sox have not yet announced who will start on Saturday, Sept. 1, when the rotation spot next comes up. It could be Tavarez or it could be Clay Buchholz, who is on schedule to pitch Sept. 1 in his regular rotation turn at Pawtucket. Rosters are expanded to 40 on Sept. 1, and Buchholz could be recalled without anyone being sent down.

-- SEAN McADAM

Posted by Art Martone at 5:38 PM | Permalink

Comments

This Gagne trade is looking worse all the time. Murphy is hitting .550 and Gabbard has been everything Lester has not. Meanwhile we get Gagne- only to find he is more of a liability than an asset. We have gotten hosed in every possible way with this deal. the best move would have clearly been no move at all.

Dudeman | August 23, 2007 5:50 PM link

Does the instability in the fifth starter spot give Clement a chance to prove his worth again? He seems to have come out of his surgery better than ever, according to all reports, and is ready to prove himself against real pitching soon. I think he could be an excellent fifth starter when healthy. Remember that before his surgery, even at times when he wasn't 100 percent, he had the ability to dominate games like a second or third starter. I think it is in the Sox best interest to give him a chance before letting him go next year. He could be one of the best fifth starters in the league, and a low cost bargain to boot. Now that there is some uncertainty with Lester's future, we should not forget Clement.

dudeman | August 23, 2007 5:58 PM link