Red Sox bringing Buchholz back up

BOSTON - The Red Sox optioned starting pitcher Justin Masterson to Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday, with plans to convert him into a relief pitcher.

Manager Terry Francona said the team is preparing to recall right-hander Clay Buchholz, who will take Masterson's spot as the fifth starter. Buchholz was sent to the minors to work on his fastball command after spending the last two weeks of May on the disabled list.

Buchholz, who threw a no-hitter in his second major-league start on Sept. 1, against Baltimore, struggled in his first 8 starts this season for Boston. He was 2-3 with a 5.53 ERA before tearing the nail on his right middle finger.

For now, the Red Sox recalled first baseman Jeff Bailey from Pawtucket to take Masterson's place on the roster.

"We wanted to, at some point, get Clay back here and get him in the rotation and I think we've been alluding to and talking about that," said Boston manager Terry Francona. "We'll go from there."