D-backs pitcher Clay Buchholz misses start with elbow stiffness

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Clay Buchholz was scheduled for the start against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday.

But Matt Koch, not Buchholz, threw the first pitch of the game as the starter was scratched before the team took the field.

According to the team, the pitcher is dealing with elbow stiffness.

Clay Buchholz was scratched from today’s #Dbacks game due to right elbow tightness.

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 13, 2018

D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said Buchholz was going through his pregame routine when he felt the elbow stiffness.

Regarded as one of the most consistent starters on the team, Buchholz has gone 7-2 with a 2.01 ERA in 98.1 innings pitched (16 games). He’s struck out 81 batters and walked 22.

In 12 starts, Koch has gone 5-4 with a 4.18 ERA. He’s struck out 39 hitters with a WHIP of 1.18.

The latest injury news adds to the D-backs’ pitching woes as reliever T.J. McFarland flew back to Phoenix Thursday for tests on his left elbow after he experienced some inflammation.

According to reports, Buchholz was sent back to Phoenix to be evaluated by team doctors and have an MRI.

Koch lasted three innings, allowing four earned runs and eight hits.

The D-backs fell 10-3 to the Rockies.

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