Schilling, Red Sox-Tigers (August 16, 2005)

Guys like Curt Schilling are not supposed to get hammered when they lead in the count 0-2 but that is exactly what has happened to No. 38 in his last three appearances. My take is that Schilling isn't healthy and that the Red Sox Nation pipe dream that he will return to the starting rotation to front another World Series run is not going to happen this fall. Schilling still looks like he is struggling to push off his surgically repaired ankle (which may have to go under the knife again this winter if it truly is not healed) and that when Keith Foulke returns to the team some time next week, Schilling will go back on the disabled list. In the time being, Schill will continue to pitch on guts alone while doing what he can to save the bullpen and Red Sox wins. As for last night's game ... I don't want to talk about it. We all know what happened and with the Sox being on such a hot streak, a tough loss was more or less inevitable. Jon Papelbon (0-0, 3.38) -- a possible Schill replacement if TheBostonInsider's theory holds water -- takes on Detroit's Nate Robertson (5-10, 4.10) at 7:05 p.m. on NESN and WEEI. If you missed Papelbon's first major league start a few weeks ago, make sure to watch tonight. The 24-year-old righty is a hard thrower with a wicked fastball.