NEW YORK -- There was some thought that rookie pitcher Clay Buchholz would be called up from Pawtucket to start for the Red Sox tomorrow at New York. The right-hander has been outstanding for the PawSox, posting a 4-1 record with a 1.63 ERA in 38 2/3 innings of work.

But manager Terry Francona denied the rumor and stated that rookie Justin Masterson will make his scheduled start tomorrow.

"We really didn't [plan to pitch him]," Francona said when asked whether there was any discussion about Buchholz being recalled. "I don't want to say that at some point Clay's not going to be back here, because that might not be true. We think Clay is obviously, hopefully, a star in the making. We wanted to get Clay ironed out and sometimes looking at the big picture is more important than looking at the small picture. It's not easy to do that, but Clay is on his way to doing exactly what he needs to do."

Buchholz no doubt will be in Boston sooner rather than later. He could be back in the rotation soon after the All-Star break in order to give another Red Sox starter a rest.