Clay Buchholz is sharp in return to Red Sox

Clay Buchholz (10-0) gave up three hits and struck out six batters over five innings in his first start since early June and the American League East-leading Boston Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays, 2-0, Tuesday night.

Buchholz, sidelined because of a strained neck, hadn’t pitched in the majors since beating the Angels on June 8. The right-hander, who made three rehab starts in the minors, struck out Jose Molina with two on to end the second inning.

Jonny Gomes and Jarrod Saltalamacchia each drove in a run to help the Red Sox extend their lead over second-place Tampa Bay to 81/2 games. Craig Breslow, Junichi Tazawa and Koji Uehara finished a four-hitter. Uehara got the final four outs for his 19th save.

Marlins to shut down Jose Fernandez

Right-hander Jose Fernandez is approaching the 170-inning limit set by the Miami Marlins and will make his final start Wednesday against Atlanta.

Fernandez, a 21-year-old rookie, is 11-6 with a 2.23 earned-run average, the second-lowest in the majors. He has 182 strikeouts.

He was selected to the National League All-Star team.

Jhonny Peralta to work out with Tigers

Suspended shortstop Jhonny Peralta will work out with the Detroit Tigers before Wednesday’s game against the White Sox in Chicago.

Peralta accepted a 50-game suspension from Major League Baseball on Aug. 5 as part of its investigation into Biogenesis of America, a Florida anti-aging clinic accused of distributing banned performance-enhancing drugs.

General Manager Dave Dombrowski made the announcement about Peralta after meeting with Tigers players. Dombrowski said no decision has been made on whether to activate Peralta, a two-time All-Star, who is eligible to return Sept. 27.