Buchholz has not pitched since June 16 because of what has been described as a muscle strain. He received a cortisone shot July 6 and on Monday threw off the mound for the first time since then.
The hope was Buchholz would progress from there. But now comes another delay.
“We just want to make sure we’re not doing something wrong here,’’ Francona said. “He had a really good day [on Monday]. It’s a lot to ask moving forward if he’s going to start pitching in games. We just want to make sure we do the right thing.’’
Francona said Buchholz had not reinjured himself, and that the Sox were encouraged by his arm strength on Monday.
No deal The Sox were interested in outfielder Carlos Beltran right up until the Mets traded him to the Giants yesterday. Beltran agreed to the deal last night, and it is to be announced today.
The Mets will receive blue-chip pitching prospect Zachary Wheeler, the sixth overall pick in the 2009 draft. The equivalent for the Sox would have been prized Single A pitcher Anthony Ranaudo.
The trade of Beltran and the deal that sent Colby Rasmus from the Cardinals to the Blue Jays could spark further movement with outfielders.
The Sox continue to seek a righthanded hitter capable of playing right field to bolster their bench. Candidates would include Reed Johnson (Cubs) and Ryan Spilborghs (Rockies).
Available starters include Hiroki Kuroda, Erik Bedard, and Rich Harden. Buchholz’s injury and the recent poor performances by Andrew Miller have the Sox pondering the depth of their rotation.
Youkilis returns The original lineup posted yesterday outside the Sox’ clubhouse had Yamaico Navarro playing third base with Josh Reddick in right field. But Kevin Youkilis informed Francona that his sore right hamstring was fine, so he started at third.
“Don’t really want to keep him out of there if we don’t need to,’’ Francona said.
