Buchholz set for Sunday rehab debut

LOS ANGELES -- While the Red Sox got ready to play the middle game of this three-game set against the Dodgers on Saturday afternoon, Clay Buchholz packed his bags for a flight back east.

The right-hander is at last ready to pitch in games again, starting with his Sunday start for Class A Lowell in a road game at Hudson Valley.

Buchholz will throw three innings and up to 45 to 50 pitches, the first of either two or three rehab starts before rejoining the Red Sox.

"I thought yesterday's bullpen [session] was the best the ball got out of his hand in any one of the work sessions he's had to date," said manager John Farrell. "If he comes back and pitches as he was, it'd be a great pick up."

Before the right bursa sac strain that has kept him out of action since June 9, Buchholz was 9-0 with a 1.71 ERA in 12 starts.

If Triple-A Pawtucket or one of Boston's other affiliates makes it to the postseason, Buchholz would probably get three starts in the Minors. If not, he will make that third start for Boston -- probably limited to four or five innings.

"If we're limited by options then after this second start, there's always the possibility to bring him back here and have the multi-inning guy right on top of him and continue the progression," said Farrell.