Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz is scheduled to have surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee on Tuesday. Buchholz pitched in Boston's season finale Sunday against the New York Yankees.

Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington, addressing the numerous amount of injuries plaguing his club, had this to say about Buchholz on Monday: "This is something that - he's had some off and on symptoms for some time now, not something that prevents him from pitching. We just want to use the off-season to get rid of it."

He went on to say, "It's a relatively routine procedure, pretty quick recovery, shouldn't affect his off-season, should have a normal off-season." Buchholz has already missed significant time in recent years due to several surgeries. No one questions the right-hander's talent, but he hasn't been able to perpetuate any consistency, partly due to the extended amount of time he's spent on the disabled list.

After a stupendous 2013 season, in which he posted a 1.74 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 16 starts, Buchholz struggled mightily in his 2014 campaign. The 30-year-old recorded a 5.74 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and .270 batting average against over 28 games started. 

The defending World Series champion Red Sox underachieved greatly this past season, finishing last in the AL East. Cherington and company managed to move four-fifths of Boston's opening day rotation at the trade deadline to acquire some young talent, so Buchholz's turnaround is vital for his club moving forward. He must remain healthy for that to happen. though. 

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Austin Burnett
Austin is an sports broadcaster/journalist with an immense passion for baseball, and especially the Tampa Bay Rays. He also loves hockey and football.