After Clay Buchholz threw what was called a "great" bullpen session by Manager Terry Francona on Monday prior to the Red Sox' 3-1, 14-inning loss to the Kansas City Royals, it seems as though Boston's third starter is on the mend, and may be back in the rotation in the next few weeks, after a few minor league rehab stints.
It calls into question the role of Andrew Miller, who's been serviceable in the back end of the Red Sox rotation, but figures to be the one pushed into the bullpen, with Tim Wakefield remaining as the fifth starter.
The prospect of Miller in the bullpen would be an interesting one for Boston, which would feature Alfredo Aceves, Matt Albers, Kyle Weiland and Miller in support roles - any of whom could throw multiple innings in relief if the Red Sox continue to find themselves in extended-inning games, like the four games of 14 innings or more that they've already played in this season.