Clay Buchholtz

Clay Buchholz

Born August 14, 1984 - Nederland, TX

Clay Daniel Buchholz (born August 14, 1984) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Toronto Blue Jays. Buchholz made his MLB debut with the Red Sox in 2007. In his second major league start, he pitched a no-hitter, becoming the third MLB pitcher since 1900 to throw a no-hitter in his first or second start and the first Red Sox rookie to throw one. He was a two-time MLB All-Star.

Raised in Lumberton, Texas, Buchholz played baseball for the local youth baseball leagues, and then for the Lumberton High School Raiders.

Buchholz began his college career in 2004 at McNeese State University. He then transferred to Angelina College. In 2005, while competing for the Roadrunners, Buchholz was named an All-American.

Buchholz was drafted by the Red Sox in the supplemental first round of the 2005 draft. He started his first spring training game in 2007 against the Tampa Bay Rays. His success led to his selection for the All-Star Futures Game at AT&T Park. Buchholz was promoted to the Pawtucket Red Sox, the Triple-A affiliate of the Red Sox, on July 8, 2007.

Boston Red Sox (2007 - 16)

Buchholz made his major league debut with the Boston Red Sox against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on August 17, 2007, at Fenway Park. The Sox won the game 8–4 and he picked up the win, going six innings and giving up four runs (three earned).

No-Hitter

In only his second career major league start on September 1, 2007, he became the first Boston Red Sox rookie to throw a no-hitter when he blanked the Baltimore Orioles 10–0. Buchholz became the 11th Red Sox pitcher to throw a no-hitter in Fenway Park history, and the 17th in Red Sox history. Buchholz' no-hitter was the third of a record-setting four.

Philadelphia Phillies (2016 - 17)

On December 20, 2016, Buchholz was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for minor league second baseman Josh Tobias.

Kansas City Royals (2018)

Buchholz stated with the Storm Chasers in April 2018. On March 19, 2018, Buchholz signed a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals. The Royals released Buchholz on May 1.

Arizona Diamondbacks (2018)

On May 5, 2018, after opting-out of his minor league deal with the Royals, Buchholz signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was assigned to the Triple-A Reno Aces upon signing. He became a free agent following the season.

Toronto Blue Jays (2019)

On March 5, 2019, Buchholz signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays and became a free agent after the year.

Awards and honors