For the second straight outing, Buchholz got knocked around, allowing five hits and six runs in three innings of yesterday's 12-7 victory over the Indians. Coming on the heels of a five-homer stinker against the Blue Jays, Buchholz has taken a bit of the luster off his star, which was soaring after he went 5-0 with a 1.32 ERA between Aug. 29 and Sept. 24. ``All my fastballs have been up in the zone, causing (them) to not have any movement,'' Buchholz lamented. ``That's been it the last two times out. The fastball has been up. Everything has been up. I've been getting hit in situations that in the past I've been getting outs.''

After the game, Buchholz was officially named the team's Game 3 starter in the upcoming Division Series against the Angels. Manager Terry Francona concurred with the pitcher's self-assessment.

``I thought he was up too much,'' Francona said. ``I thought he made it a little harder than he needs to. He shook off Victor (Martinez) too much and I think he was just thinking too much. After he came out of the game, he got a chance to talk to (pitching coach) John (Farrell). When he made his pitches, he was fine. He got in trouble when he elevated and maybe gave other players too much credit.''

So what does this mean for the postseason? The Red Sox obviously hope it's simply a matter of Buchholz pitching down to the level of his competition with nothing on the line.

``We certainly would have rather he pitched a gem, but he came out of the bullpen and was leaving the rubber a little quick, which happens,'' Francona said. ``He'll have another chance for a good side (session) and get things going in the right direction.''

Relief stint

Reliever Manny Delcarmen was thankful yesterday to awaken feeling few ill effects from a Saturday car crash on Interstate 93 that left him with a sore back.

Delcarmen felt so good, he did some throwing from 90 feet before creeping stiffness in his neck forced him to stop, leaving his Division Series availability in limbo.

``I felt my neck get stiff and shut it down,'' Delcarmen said. ``Hopefully I'm better tomorrow and OK to go on Thursday.''

Delcarmen isn't sure if he'll make the ALDS roster - he was a bubble candidate before the accident thanks to a poor September - but he doesn't want to jeopardize the team's chances by pitching hurt.

``We have enough guys,'' he said. ``I'd rather feel 100 percent than go out there. Obviously, I want to be out there, and the way I finished the season wasn't where I wanted it to be. The team has a tough decision to make. If I'm there, I'm there. If I'm not, I understand.''

Back with a bang

Any concerns about the cortisone injection J.D. Drew had in his left shoulder disappeared at roughly the speed of the right fielder's two homers.

Drew's 15th career multi-homer game gave him 24 long balls for the season, and he said he's ready to go for the playoffs.

``My left AC joint has bothered me all year,'' Drew said. ``I took another cortisone shot and just gave it a couple of days to catch up. Everything feels good.''

Asked if he'd have any restrictions, Drew said, ``Not at all.''

The Red Sox liked what they saw.

``It's a pretty impressive day,'' Francona said. ``There's a reason we didn't push him and gave him some rest. He has that ability when he feels good. That was really good to see.''

Grand theft

Jacoby Ellsbury extended his single-season club record for stolen bases with his 70th. No other player in the major leagues reached 70 this season. . . .

Third baseman Mike Lowell was a late scratch with a thumb injury Francona termed ``nothing remotely alarming.'' Lowell said he'd be ready for Game 1 of the ALDS. . . .

Angels manager Mike Scioscia announced his rotation for the ALDS. Right-handers John Lackey and Jered Weaver will start Games 1 and 2, respectively, at Angel Stadium. Left-hander Scott Kazmir will get the nod in Game 3 at Fenway, with fellow southpaw Joe Saunders going in Game 4, respectively.