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Report: Buchholz could miss Game 3 start

There are growing concerns in Boston that Red Sox right-hander Clay Buchholz, scheduled to start Game 3 of the World Series on Saturday in St. Louis, will not be able to pitch against the Cardinals, CBSSports reported Wednesday.

Buchholz did not show up for a mandatory session with the media on Tuesday at Fenway Park. But manager John Farrell indicated that Buchholz should be ready to pitch.

"Yeah, everything is OK," Farrell said. "We fully expect (Buchholz) and Jake (Peavy) to be pitching on the weekend in St. Louis."

If Buchholz is unable to start, Felix Doubront would replace him. Doubront pitched a simulated game on Tuesday at Fenway to prepare just in case.

Buchholz missed three months of the season with a shoulder injury. He left Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Saturday night after 85 pitches in five-plus innings. In two postseason starts, he has not looked particular sharp.

Veteran Matt Thornton also threw a simulated game on Tuesday in Fenway, but the left-hander was left off the World Series roster announced Wednesday.

Acquired in a trade with the Chicago White Sox in July, Thornton has not pitched in the postseason. He missed time after the trade with an oblique injury.