Starting Five: Buchholz Returns to Majors for Successful Cameo

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action, with quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
That Clay Buchholz did exactly what the Red Sox wanted him to do, but still earned a ticket right back to Triple-A after doing it. The Red Sox, whose rotation is set, gave Buchholz the ball on Friday night as a reward for his successful comeback this year at Triple-A. The plan all along was for him to get one start and go back down, and that's what happened after he gave up one run in 5 2/3 innings in a victory over Toronto.

It was Buchholz's first big league game since last August, when he was demoted after a seven-game losing streak. This year at Triple-A, he was 7-2 with a 2.36 ERA, earning the brief promotion.

"Considering the circumstances and everything, I thought he had poise, I thought he had good stuff," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "He attacked with his fastball, he threw his changeup, he threw his breaking ball. He commanded the game. It's really gratifying for us. We've heard all the reports and we've seen him work but then to see him do it tonight was a lot of fun for us."

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From The Trainer's Room ...
Astros first baseman Lance Berkman was not in the lineup because of a calf strain suffered on Thursday night trying to leg out an infield single. Berkman said it had improved overnight, but he wanted to be careful with the injury so it didn't become more serious. Berkman is not likely to go on the disabled list, but he's unsure how long he'll be out.

Numbers Game ...
Mariners right-hander Felix Hernandez won his sixth consecutive decision over 10 starts since May 20. Hernandez has a 1.30 ERA in the span, best in the majors during that time. Tim Lincecum, who gave up one run in seven innings on Friday, is second with a 1.39 ERA.

In Their Own Words ...
"It's a bonehead mistake by the umpire. And he gave a bonehead [explanation]. This ain't high school baseball." -- Brewers outfielder Mike Cameron, who was called for interference after sliding hard into second to break up a double play on Friday night. Umpire Kevin Cause made the ruling, which scuttled a Brewers' rally in the seventh inning, leaving Prince Fielder on deck.

Advance Scouting ...
The Marlins and Phillies, the top two teams in the the National League East, will continue their series (7:10 PM ET) with Florida All-Star Josh Johnson making his first appearance of the second half. Johnson is 8-2 with a 2.74 ERA, fourth best in the league. The Phillies will counter with Joe Blanton, who has pitched well lately. Blanton is 4-1 with a 2.44 ERA over his past nine starts.