Red Sox to send struggling Buchholz to bullpen

Clay Buchholz has lost his starting job.

The Boston Red Sox will send the right-hander to the bullpen and replace him in the team's starting rotation with the returning Eduardo Rodriguez, according to manager John Farrell.

Buchholz will serve in long relief out of the 'pen.

Rodriguez, who was on the disabled list with a patellar subluxation of his right knee, is set to make his first start of the season Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles.

Farrell did indicate to reporters that Buchholz could start again, and one priority of the move was to retain starter depth.

After allowing six earned runs on seven hits, including three home runs, to the Colorado Rockies Thursday - the sixth time Buchholz has allowed more than five earned runs in a contest this season - the move seemed like a given.

Buchholz - a two-time All-Star who became the first Red Sox rookie to throw a no-hitter when he blanked the Baltimore Orioles on Sept. 1, 2007 - has not looked like that pitcher in 2016, allowing at least two earned runs in all but one start.

The former first-round draft pick owns a 6.35 ERA, while allowing more hits (59) than innings pitched (56 2/3). He's also allowed 12 home runs, ranking him second in the American League behind only Chris Young of the Kansas City Royals.