PORTLAND – Portland Sea Dogs’ right-handed pitcher Clay Buchholz has been promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket. Additionally right-handed pitcher Chris Smith has rejoined the Sea Dogs from Pawtucket. The Red Sox also released Sea Dogs’ first baseman Eric Crozier.

Buchholz, the Red Sox top pitching prospect, appeared in 16 games for the Sea Dogs posting a 7-2 record with an Eastern League leading 1.77 ERA.

Smith returns to Portland after making one relief appearance for the Pawsox on July 2. He pitched two innings allowing no runs and four hits.

The 28-year-old Crozier was hitting .236 in 63 games for the Sea Dogs. He had a team high nine home runs and was second on the team with 44 RBIs.