Buchholz, Ellsbury Coming Up Friday

The Red Sox are expected to recall standout young righthander Clay Buchholz (pictured) from AAA Pawtucket tomorrow and give him the start in the first game of the doubleheader against the LA Angels at Fenway Park. Terry Francona wanted to give Curt Schilling an extra day of rest and will pitch him on Saturday, with Josh Beckett pitching Game 2 on Friday night.

Buchholz is the highest ranked of all the Red Sox prospects. He is 8-3 for the 2007 season, as he split time between AA Portland and Pawtucket. Here is more on him: http://www.soxprospects.com/players/buchholz-clay.htm

Calling up both Buchholz and Ellsbury, who was very impressive in his time up earlier this season, certainly means the end of the road in Boston for Wily Mo Pena. It is expected he will be traded or designated for assignment before Game 1. Buchholz will return to Pawtucket after his start, and Ellsbury will be added for Game 2. Ellsbury was hitting a ton at AAA recently and currently has a 13-game hitting streak. It is a little bit surprising to see him coming up now, as it was thought that Bobby Kielty would be brought up if Pena goes. What this means for Kielty, who can ask for his release if he wants it, is currently uncertain.