SI Wire

Chris Bosh has stern message for Heat fans who left Game 6 early

Tim Polzer — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 21:06:03 +0000

Chris Bosh warned Heat fans who left Game 6 before the game went to overtime to stay away from Game 7. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

A storyline of the Heat’s miraculous rally in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday has been the hundreds of Miami fans who left the American Airlines Arena with their team trailing the Spurs by five points with 28 seconds remaining. When the Heat hit two three-pointers to send the game into overtime, those Heat fans who left the arena were not happy when security guards would not let them re-enter for OT.

Heat star Chris Bosh has a message for those fans who bailed early: He doesn’t want them to come back for Game 7.

From CBS Sports:

“For all those [fans] who left, make sure you don’t come to Game 7,” the Miami big man said. “You never give up. People gave up on us, and they can stay where they are and watch the game at home.”

MANNIX: Ray Allen’s value to Heat clear in Game 6 win

Bosh said Heat fans should have known better than to give up on their team — and the rules at their home arena:

“You can’t get let back in after you leave. I know that,” Bosh said. “Hell, I’ve been to games. You can’t leave a game and then come back. It doesn’t make any sense. You left. It’s not punishment; that’s protocol.”

LeBron James wasn’t as harsh as Bosh, cutting Heat fans a little slack:

“I just know in my household, my wife was like, ‘Would you please stop doing that to me?’ My mother-in-law, even my sons, they were like, ‘Oh, my God. You guys lost and won at the same time,’” he said. “I know. We know. I apologize to our fans from last night. But the game is — that’s why the game is played all the way to zeros.”

Report: Johnny Manziel’s anti-College Station tweet was over parking ticket

Tim Polzer — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:25:18 +0000

Johnny Manziel reportedly was ticketed for parking his car the wrong way. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Johnny Manziel fired off an early morning tweet criticizing the home of Texas A&M after receiving a parking ticket, according to the San Antonio Express-News.

The Aggies’ Heisman Trophy winning quarterback added to his colorful off-the-field adventures with a 1:38 a.m. Sunday post proclaiming:

“S*** like tonight is a reason why I can’t wait to leave college station … whenever it may be,”

A person with knowledge of the situation told the Express-News Manziel was upset after a College Station police officer issued him a ticket for parking the wrong way in front of his house and illegally tinted windows. Manziel was in Port Aransas, Texas on a fishing trip when he was alerted to the officer writing the ticket and reportedly talked to the officer on the phone.

While Manziel removed his controversial tweet and replaced it with a message declaring his love for Texas A&M, another report said he was prepared to transfer from Aggieland when the school initially suspended him for the 2012 season.

Spurs use late-night dinner to ‘get some stuff out in the open’ before Game 7

Marc Weinreich — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:57:44 +0000

The Spurs got together for a late-night dinner on Tuesday to get clear the air before Game 7. (Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)

As far as Tim Duncan was concerned after Tuesday’s crushing Game 6 overtime loss to the Heat, the Spurs had two options looking ahead to the last game of the season: go back to the hotel and sulk alone, or go out for a late-night dinner to get some things off their chest.

Duncan and San Antonio guard Tony Parker revealed Wednesday during practice at AmericanAirlines Arena that the team chose the latter. According to Lang Whitaker of NBA.com, the team went out for dinner in their first step toward turning things around before Game 7 tips off Thursday night.

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Duncan said he’s glad the team got together for the meal and will be “ready to rock” in what will be one of the most important games of his career:

“It helped, it did. The other option is a bunch of us go back to our rooms and sit there by ourselves and beat yourself up. So it’s always good to be around teammates and kind of get some stuff out in the open. We did exactly that. As I said, we’ll be ready to rock.”

SI Video: How Spurs can rally back in Game 7

Parker agreed, saying it was an opportunity to share stories about career highs and lows from the past, delving back into his time with the French National team:

“It was a great dinner. We shared histories and what happened in different games, and sharing stuff like when I was with the (French) national team, when we were up 7 and lost in 35 seconds, the European Championship. You just share those moments and try to see what you can do better and prepare for Game 7.”

The Heat and Spurs tip-off Game 7 at 9 p.m. on Thursday.

SI Now: NBA Finals photo reflection

Red Wings, Detroit announce plans for new $650M arena

Tim Polzer — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:47:35 +0000

The Detroit Red Wings have played in Joe Louis Arena for 32 years. (Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

The Red Wings and Detroit officials have announced a plan to build a $650 million downtown arena, according to the Associated Press.

City economic development officials approved a plan including $283 million in public funds and $367 million in private investment for an 18,000-seat arena and adjacent residential and retail space.

The new arena, planned for the intersection of Interstate 75 and Woodward Avenue, just north of the Fox Theatre and near Comerica Park and Ford Field, will replace the 32-year-old Joe Louis Arena.

Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch championed the new arena as part of an expanded events district in December.

From CBS Detroit:

“It’s always been my dream to once again see a vibrant downtown Detroit,” said Mike Ilitch, chairman, Ilitch Holdings, Inc., in a press release. “From the time we bought the Fox Theatre, I could envision a downtown where the streets were bustling and people were energized. It’s been a slow process at times, but we’re getting there now and a lot of great people are coming together to make it happen. It’s going to happen and I want to keep us moving toward that vision.”

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Tiger Woods to miss AT&T National with left elbow strain

Marc Weinreich — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:55:33 +0000

Tiger Woods announced on Wednesday that he will sit out of AT&T National. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Tiger Woods announced via his website on Wednesday that he will miss next week’s AT&T National in Maryland, the tournament he won last year, because of a left elbow strain.

Woods said he was examined by a medical staff after returning home from the U.S. Open and decided after doctors diagnosed him with the sprain that he would sit out of the tournament, which will take place June 27-30 in Bethesda. Woods will take a few weeks off for rest and treatment and said via his website that he expects to play in the British Open, which is scheduled for July 18-21:

“I have been advised to take a few weeks off, rest and undergo treatment. I’ll be ready to go for the British Open, and I’m looking forward to playing at Muirfield.”

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Wood also said that he will still be at AT&T National for support and apologized to his fans and sponsors for not being able to compete:

“I would like to extend my regrets to AT&T, our sponsors and the fans in the Washington, D.C., area. The AT&T National means a lot to me and my foundation. It’s especially difficult not defending at my own tournament. It’s going to be a great event, and I look forward to being there to provide my support.”

Mark Appel to officially sign contract with Astros today

Marc Weinreich — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:33:12 +0000

The Houston Astros are expected to sign No. 1 pick Mark Appel today. (AP Images)

The Houston Astros are expected to officially sign No. 1 overall pick Mark Appel this afternoon, according to a tweet today from Astros beat writer Brian Smith of the Houston Chronicle.

The news confirms reports over the last week that the two sides were close to reaching a deal, with the right-handed pitcher reportedly set to ink a $6.35 million contract with Houston after turning down $3.8 million from the Pittsburgh Pirates as the No. 8 pick in last year’s draft. The Astros had initially passed over Appel in last year’s draft, opting instead to select high school shortstop Carlos Correa, 18, who is currently hitting .304 in 55 games in Single-A.

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In his senior year at Stanford, Appel went 10-4 with a 2.12 ERA and 130/23 K/BB ratio in 106 innings for the Cardinals. He also held batters to a .203 average and gave up only two home runs in 395 at-bats. He currently holds the Stanford record for career strikeouts with 372 in 377 2/3 innings and received Pacific-12 Conference baseball scholar-athlete of the year honors.

#Astros will officially sign Mark Appel at 3 p.m.—
Brian T. Smith (@ChronAstros) June 19, 2013

Bruce Arians: Gay NFL players would be a problem for fans, not players or coaches

Marc Weinreich — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:43:21 +0000

Bruce Arians said it’s fans, especially fans of opposing teams, that would have a problem with a gay NFL player. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians gave his thoughts on Wednesday about how gay NFL players would be received by players and coaches.

Speaking to FoxSports.com in a telephone interview, Arians, who served as offensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts before being named head coach of the Cardinals in January, said the problem would not be with the players or coaches in the league; he thinks they would be accepting of a gay player on and off the field. The issue, he said, would be with fans, especially fans of opposing teams:

“I don’t think the locker room would have any problem with it. The problem would be with the fans. I think especially opposing fans. Some of the things that are said are over the top and out of control that I can imagine what some fans would say to an openly gay player.”

To abate any potential issues, the NFL Rookie Symposium this year will host speakers, including former players, to address sexual orientation in and out of the locker room.

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But as for moderating fans if and when NFL players come out, league spokesman Greg Aiello told USA Today Sports in April that fans would be monitored if the league feels that there is any kind of “public reaction that might not be appropriate” when it comes to how an NFL player is received after coming out.

“Our league and team security people would be ready to monitor any kind of public reaction that might not be appropriate, including scrubbing social media for potential threats. We would assist the player in dealing with any adverse public reaction of any type, if there is any. Hopefully there wouldn’t be and it would be a non-issue, which it should be.”

SI Wire: Bruce Arians: Rashard Mendenhall is Cardinals’ starting running back

Justin Smith, 49ers agree to 2-year extension

Bill Carey — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:13:57 +0000

Justin Smith (94) has signed a contract extension with the 49ers. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Pro Bowl defensive lineman Justin Smith and the San Francisco 49ers agreed to a two-year contract extension, the team announced Wednesday on Twitter.

Smith was entering the final year of his contract. His career has taken off in five years with the 49ers. He’s one of the NFL’s top defenders, and he is one of the key pieces of the San Francisco defense.

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The 33-year-old could be on track to end his career with San Francisco. The 49ers tweeted a quote attributed to general manager Trent Baalke: “Justin consistently sets a standard of excellence…This contract allows Justin to finish his career as a 49er.”

Smith struggled some last season while dealing with a torn triceps, and his statistics dropped. But in his five seasons with the 49ers, he has 32 sacks and 247 tackles.

Blackhawks’ Marian Hossa expected to play tonight

Bill Carey — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:47:49 +0000

Marian Hossa is expected to play tonight. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa is expected to play in tonight’s Stanley Cup Finals game, Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville told reporters Wednesday morning.

“He is expected to play tonight. He’s fine,” Quenneville said.

Hossa was a surprise late scratch from Game 3 against the Bruins, which Chicago lost to fall behind 2-1 in the series. The team said that he suffered an upper-body injury before warmups and it hoped he would be ready to play in Game 4.

MUIR: Blackhawks need to keep it simple in Game 4

Hossa has been one of Chicago’s best players in its run to the Finals. He has seven goals and eight assists in 19 games. His return should give Chicago a boost as it tries to draw the series even.

Heat-Spurs Game 6 scores major ratings for ABC

Marc Weinreich — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:46:29 +0000

Game 6 marked an historic night for ABC. (Noah Graham/Getty Images)

The NBA Finals Game 6 overtime thriller between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night was among the most-watched basketball games ever on ABC.

According to a report Wednesday morning from NBA.com, citing Nielsen ratings, last night’s game, which ended in 103-100 overtime win for the Heat, was the second highest-rated NBA Finals Game 6 ever on ABC. It also came in as the fourth highest-rated game ever on the network. The only NBA games to rank higher than Game 6 on Tuesday, in terms of ratings, are Boston Celtics-Los Angeles Lakers Game 7 in 2010 (18.2); Los Angeles Lakers-Detroit Pistons Game 5 in 2004 (15.5); and Miami Heat-Dallas Mavericks Game 6 in 2011 (15.0).

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Although official ratings have not yet been confirmed for all television programs on Tuesday evening, the report said it is expected that Game 6 will mark the 36th consecutive time an NBA Finals broadcast has beat out all other programs for the night. It is also expected that it will be the 24th straight time a game has delivered double-digit overnight ratings for the network, peaking at 19.8 from 11:45 p.m. – midnight.

In terms of local ratings, San Antonio scored a 47.6 metered market rating and Miami had a 35.4 rating. With a 4.4 overnight rating, ABC’s NBA Countdown pre-game show came in 16 percent higher than the pre-game show before last year’s Game 6.

GALLERY: SI’s Best Shots of the NBA Finals

Manny Ramirez to leave his Taiwanese baseball team

Bill Carey — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:20:26 +0000

Manny Ramirez left his Taiwanese baseball team, possibly to head to Japan. (AFP/Getty Images)

Manny Ramirez is leaving his Taiwanese baseball team, the EDA Rhinos, possibly to pursue opportunities to play professionally in Japan, reports Focus Taiwan (via USA TODAY).

The 41-year-old former Red Sox slugger had signed a three-month deal with the Rhinos. His contract runs until June 30, but he has told the team he will leave on Friday. The team says Ramirez is homesick.

But there is speculation that he will sign with the Chiba Lotte Marines of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league. His salary would be much higher than the $25,000 per month he makes in Taiwan, and the level of competition would be closer to Major League-level.

The Rhinos had reportedly tried to keep Ramirez happy and convince him to stay with the team longer. Focus Taiwan reports that he was a “huge draw” for the club.

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Ramirez hit .352 with eight home runs and 43 RBI in 49 games. He last played in the Major Leagues in 2011 with the Tampa Bay Rays. He retired after testing positive for a banned substance. He would have faced a 100-game suspension for his second offense.

Serena Williams apologizes for Steubenville rape comments

Bill Carey — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:41:11 +0000

Serena Williams apologized Wednesday for comments about the Steubenville rape case. (Rindoff/Charriau/Getty Images)

Serena Williams apologized Wednesday for comments that appeared to cast blame on the victim in the Steubenville, Ohio, rape case.

Williams released a statement on her website:

“What happened in Steubenville was a real shock for me. I was deeply saddened. For someone to be raped, and at only sixteen, is such a horrible tragedy! For both families involved — that of the rape victim and of the accused. I am currently reaching out to the girl’s family to let her know that I am deeply sorry for what was written in the Rolling Stone article. What was written – what I supposedly said – is insensitive and hurtful, and I by no means would say or insinuate that she was at all to blame.

I have fought all of my career for women’s equality, women’s equal rights, respect in their fields — anything I could do to support women I have done. My prayers and support always goes out to the rape victim. In this case, most especially, to an innocent sixteen year old child.”

A Rolling Stone profile of the tennis star published online Tuesday night included the following scene:

“We watch the news for a while, and the infamous Steubenville rape case flashes on the TV – two high school football players raped a drunk 16-year-old, while other students watched and texted details of the crime. Serena just shakes her head. “Do you think it was fair, what they got? They did something stupid, but I don’t know. I’m not blaming the girl, but if you’re a 16-year-old and you’re drunk like that, your parents should teach you: Don’t take drinks from other people. She’s 16, why was she that drunk where she doesn’t remember? It could have been much worse. She’s lucky. Obviously, I don’t know, maybe she wasn’t a virgin, but she shouldn’t have put herself in that position, unless they slipped her something, then that’s different.”

NGUYEN: Sloane Stephens says Serena Williams uses mind games to intimidate foes

Bruce Arians: Rashard Mendenhall is Cardinals’ starting running back

Bill Carey — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:13:18 +0000

Rashard Mendenhall is the Cardinals’ starting running back. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

If the season started today, Rashard Mendenhall would be the Arizona Cardinals’ starting running back. “There’s no doubt,” coach Bruce Arians said Wednesday in an interview on the NFL Network.

Mendenhall signed a one-year deal with Arizona this offseason and was expected to compete with Ryan Williams for the starting spot. Arians was Mendenhall’s offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh, so the running back knows the first-year head coach’s offense.

“Rashard is just (26 years old),” Arians said. “He took me personally to a Super Bowl, and I know what he can bring to the table as a runner and a pass protector and also a receiver. He’s an every-down player. And I think he’s looking forward to having an outstanding season.”

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Mendenhall was Pittsburgh’s first-round pick in 2008, and he broke out in his second season, when he ran for 1,108 yards. The next season, he was even more productive. He ran for 1,273 and 13 touchdowns.

But his play dropped off in 2012, and he struggled even more last season. He battled injuries, and that contributed to some of his issues. But he was also benched in favor of less established teammates and suspended by the team for Week 15.

With Arizona, he should have a shot to revitalize his career. If new quarterback Carson Palmer and star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald can connect, Mendenhall should have running lanes. He can prove whether he still is among the top-10 running backs in the NFL.

Report: Mavericks likely to trade first-round pick

Bill Carey — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:45:48 +0000

Mark Cuban’s Dallas Mavericks are likely to trade their first-round pick. (Noah Graham/Getty Images)

The Dallas Mavericks are likely to trade the No. 13 pick in the NBA Draft to help free cap space to pursue Dwight Howard, reports The Dallas Morning News’ Eddie Sefko.

Dallas is being careful to leave enough cap space to offer a max contract to Howard – or possibly another top free agent, like the Clippers’ Chris Paul. The No. 13 pick would come with a $1.7 million salary, which would force Dallas to make other moves to keep enough cap space clear, Sefko reports. The most likely maneuvers would be a trade of veterans Vince Carter or Shawn Marion, something Dallas doesn’t want to do.

One source told Sefko that there is an 80 percent chance the Mavericks move the pick. There’s a 15 percent chance Dallas takes an international player. If the player stayed overseas next season, he wouldn’t count against the salary cap. But this possibility took a hit when Dario Saric, the top international player in the draft, withdrew on Tuesday. SI.com’s Chris Mannix had the Croatian forward going to Dallas in his Mock Draft 2.0.

GLOCKNER: NBA draft 2013: Second-round sleepers

The source also told Sefko there’s a 5 percent chance that, if one of the top players slips to No. 13, Dallas drafts him and uses him as a trade chip.

The Mavericks finished 41-41 this season. They don’t have a ton of young talent, so trading the pick would be a gamble. Mark Cuban said a couple weeks ago that Dallas has a two-year plan to become a “great” team. With Dirk Nowitzki getting older, this might be their best shot to become a title contender again.

Frank Hall, reluctant hero, on June 24 cover of Sports Illustrated

C.W. Sesno — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:30:34 +0000

Simon Bruty/SI

On Feb. 27, 2012, Chardon High School assistant football coach Frank Hall was faced with the question educators fear most: What do I do if a student pulls out a gun and starts shooting?

A troubled 17-year-old student forced Hall to answer that question when he stormed the school’s cafeteria and opened fire with a semiautomatic pistol, leaving three kids dying and a school in panic.

Hall, a beloved figure who — despite a 6-foot-1, 350-pound frame — is as gentle as they come, made a daring decision to charge the shooter and chase him from the school.

The story of Chardon’s tragedy and its reluctant hero is revisited and remembered in a cover story by senior writer Gary Smith in this week’s SPORTS ILLUSTRATED.

Smith takes us through that frightful day in the small town 30 miles outside of Cleveland. “In a flash, Frank had determined that attack was the best defense, the only way to be who Frank Ray Hall always had been: the protector,” he writes.

PODCAST: Gary Smith discusses story with Richard Deitsch

Harder than making the decision to risk his life and confront a killer? Learning how to cope with the overwhelming grief in the weeks and months to come.

(You can subscribe to Sports Illustrated here and purchase the tablet edition here.)

GALLERY: 2013 Sports Illustrated covers

VIDEO: Jozy Altidore goal - U.S. vs. Honduras

Lorenzo Arguello — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:12:21 +0000

The U.S. defeated Honduras 1-0 Tuesday on a 73rd minute goal from Jozy Altidore (above). It was Altidore’s fourth goal in as many games.

And here it is in GIF form (via SB Nation):

With the win, the USMNT stays comfortably atop the CONCACAF Hexagonal standings and comes ever closer to qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Report: A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel almost transferred before last season

Scooby Axson — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:34:13 +0000

A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel reportedly almost transferred from the school last year. (Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Texas A&M quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel came close to transferring away from the school before last season, reports the Dallas Morning News.

The report says A&M suspended Manziel for the 2012 season following his arrest in College Station’s Northgate bar district last summer. Manziel won on an appeal and went on to lead the Aggies to an 11-2 record and a Cotton Bowl victory.

Manziel passed for 3,706 yard with 26 touchdowns and ran for another 1,410 yards and 21 touchdowns last season, as the Aggies finished the year ranked fifth in the Associated Poll.

PHOTO GALLERY: Johnny Manziel’s rise to stardom

Blackhawks’ Marian Hossa likely to play in Game 4 of Stanley Cup Finals

Scooby Axson — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:02:34 +0000

An upper body injury kept the Blackhawks’ Marian Hossa out of Game 3. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said that right winger Marian Hossa is likely to play in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Boston Bruins, reports CBSSports.com.

Game 4 is Wednesday night and Boston leads the best-of-seven series two games to one.

Hossa missed Game 3 with an upper-body injury and the team listed him as day-to-day. Hossa has seven goals and eight assists this postseason. Quenneville was less than forthcoming about the type of injury Hossa suffered.

“I’m not going to get into exactly what the injury is or where it occurred, but I’m going to say he’s likely to play tomorrow night,” Quenneville said.

KWAK: With Marian Hossa out, Blackhawks go cold in Game 3

Hossa was replaced in the lineup by Ben Smith. Smith played in just one game this season before Monday, but played 10 minutes in the Game 3 2-0 loss

Arkansas coach Bret Bielema wants rules changes to slow down no-huddle offenses

Scooby Axson — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:17:11 +0000

Arkansas coach Bret Bielema wants no-huddle offenses slowed down. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

The advent of up-tempo offenses around college football have a few coaches concerned about potential injuries and wondering about the fairness of the game.

Add first-year Arkansas coach Bret Bielema to the list of coaches who want the NCAA to change the rulebook on the no-huddle offense. Bielema proposed a rules change that would allow a 15-second substitution period after every first down to allow defenses to make changes.

Conference foes Ole Miss and Texas A&M run a version of the no-huddle. The Aggies averaged 44 points a game last season running that offense and Ole Miss averaged 31.

“Not to get on the coattails of some of the other coaches, there is a lot of truth that the way offensive philosophies are driven now, there’s times where you can’t get a defensive substitution in for eight, 10, 12-play drives,” Bielema said, via AL.com. “That has an effect on safety of that student-athlete, especially the bigger defensive linemen, that is really real.”

Arkansas plays A&M on Sept. 28 and Ole Miss on Nov. 9.

Red Sox place pitcher Clay Buchholz on DL

Scooby Axson — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:28:55 +0000

Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz is on the DL with an injured neck. (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

The Boston Red Sox placed right-handed pitcher Clay Buchholz on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 9, with a strained neck, the team announced.

Buchholz was able to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday, but will not make his scheduled start on Saturday against the Detroit Tigers.

“He’s not at a point physically where he feels like he can get on the mound tomorrow without the potential of setback and not irritate the trapezius muscle,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said yesterday. “The AC joint has cleared up. There’s nothing there. It’s more the trapezius muscle up in the neck that is restricting him from greater intensity. The bottom line is … we’re not going to put him out there without making sure he’s in a safe place physically.”

LEMIRE: Red Sox 2nd in latest SI.com Power Rankings

Buchholz last started on June 8 against the Los Angeles Angels and has made just two starts since May 22. Buchholz is 9-0 with MLB-leading 1.71 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 84.1 innings for the Red Sox this season, who have a 2.5 game lead in the American League East over the Baltimore Orioles.