Boston’s starters provide boost with Schilling, Wells sidelined

BOSTON – With Curt Schilling and David Wells ailing, Boston’s other starters are piling up the wins.

The Red Sox have done well patching the holes in their staff in the 14 games since either Schilling or Wells, both on the disabled list, last pitched. They’re 10-4 overall and, in the last 12 games, starters are 9-0 with a 2.75 ERA.

Bronson Arroyo and Matt Clement are both 4-0. There’s also Jeremi Gonzalez, who has been effective in both his starts since being brought up from Triple-A Pawtucket, and Wade Miller, who made his first start a good one last Sunday after a long rehabilitation from a frayed rotator cuff.

As always, there’s Tim Wakefield, who is 4-1 in his 11th season with Boston.

Overall, Boston’s starters are 18-6 with a 3.74 ERA and that includes Schilling (1-2, 7.13) and Wells (2-3, 4.91).

Gonzalez, Miller and Wakefield are scheduled to face Seattle after Thursday’s off day, following consecutive brilliant outings by Arroyo and Clement.

“Boy, he’s pitching well,” manager Terry Francona said after Arroyo allowed one earned run in 6 2/3 innings in a 3-2 win over Oakland on Tuesday night. “The kid not only has been consistent, but he’s been aggressive. His weapons are getting better. They are improving with his confidence.”

The next day, Clement allowed one earned run in seven innings and Boston came from behind for a 6-5 win over the Athletics.

Arroyo has won his last nine decisions, Boston is unbeaten in his last 16 starts and his ERA is 2.91. Clement, signed as a free agent after three seasons with the Chicago Cubs, has a 3.06 ERA. The rotation should get better if Miller, who spent the last five years with Houston, stays healthy.

Miller was the eighth starter used by Boston, most in the majors. Last year they used seven and none of the top five missed a start because of injury.

Catcher Jason Varitek, a serious student of opposing hitters, is one reason the rotation has done well.

“He’s a special player,” Clement said. “I have a lot of faith in him and I think, as a starting pitcher, if you have faith in the guy who’s calling the pitches back there, there’s no better confidence or combination of being able to be successful.”