The Red Sox are still hoping that right-hander Clay Buchholz returns to the pitching mound this season. Buchholz took a step toward contributing down the stretch by throwing a baseball for the first time in weeks early this week. "No problems, no pain," Buchholz said. He hasn't pitched June 16, when he beat the Rays with five innings of one-run ball, but left with a lower back strain. Boston is hoping that Buchholz can contribute in September, perhaps as a reliever. However, they are being realistic. "We're going to take this very deliberate and he's going to have to pass some tests," said manager Terry Francona. "But the good news is he feels good. Whether he pitches this year or not, we'd hate like heck for him to go into the offseason not feeling well."