Major League Baseball

Reports: Buchholz has stress fracture

Published Aug. 1, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

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Boston Red Sox right-hander Clay Buchholz has a stress fracture in his lower back, likely ending his season, according to various reports out of Boston.

He will visit back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles today, but the reports indicate it's just to confirm the diagnosis he's already received.

Buchholz, who has been on the disabled list since June 17 with a lower back strain, threw a 30-pitch bullpen session last Monday. He has not thrown since and won't until after he sees Watkins.

The Red Sox made a late push at the trade deadline to add Erik Bedard to the rotation in a deal with the Seattle Mariners.

Boston general manager Theo Epstein addressed the move and Buchholz's situation in a conference call with reporters Sunday.

"Clearly, we have some concern for Clay," Epstein said. "It's been almost a couple of months now, which is longer than we expected it to be. We're still awaiting some more feedback and another opinion. I think we have a feel for what may be going on, but Clay is seeing another expert to get his opinion, then we're all going to put our heads together this week.

"I'll refrain from answering in too much detail until we have a chance to talk to Clay and we all have a chance to talk things through. Clearly any time a pitcher of his caliber isn't on the mound for a while and throws a side as he did on Monday but then can't necessarily back it up with another side and getting out there on a rehab assignment, there's some concern."

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