“If there comes a point where we need to slow him down, we will. A couple of things we’re trying to accomplish is that we haven’t closed the door on the fact that he might be able to pitch [this season], which is certainly important.
“The other thing is we want him to go home feeling good about himself, because this kid is an important part of not only our present but our future, so it’s come together pretty well. He’s done a good job.’’
Asked if there is a timetable for Buchholz, Francona said, “We have an obligation to map some things out, but it’s going to all go on how he feels, how he throws.
“You’re talking about a guy who hasn’t thrown very much, so if he gets on the mound and his back feels great, he still needs to pitch, so we need to take all those things under consideration.’’
Youkilis will sit Francona said Kevin Youkilis, who started at third last night despite being nagged by left hip bursitis and a hernia that will require surgery at season’s end, will not play tonight.
“I actually talked to him a little bit before the game and had a good talk with him and we’ll watch him,’’ said Francona. “He’s nowhere near pulling the plug on the season or anything like that, but I think it’s pretty obvious he’s struggling out there, so we’ll see.’’
Youkilis departed in the sixth after going 0 for 3 and was replaced by Mike Aviles, who could get the start tonight after Francona said Jed Lowrie, who underwent a cortisone injection Tuesday on his left shoulder, would also not be available.
Set in their ways Given Daniel Bard’s struggles of late, Francona was asked about utilizing his eighth-inning setup man in another role as the team heads down the homestretch.
“No, I don’t think so,’’ Francona said. “I think we’d be kidding ourselves. I don’t think we can win without Bard being Bard.
“Last year at this time, everybody wanted Bard to be the closer. We stuck with Pap [ Jonathan Papelbon], and we were OK. I think there’s certain players where we’d better figure it out as opposed to running from guys.’’
