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Clubhouse reaction after today's loss in Tampa »

Clubhouse Confidential

*The Red Sox complete their seven-game road trip today and they're hoping to return to Boston with a 6-1 mark.

*Because of Saturday's 4:38 marathon where the Sox won in 12 innings, catcher Jason Varitek has been given today off. It's the first time this season Doug Mirabelli will catch Dice-K. Manager Terry Francona said Mirabelli, who usually just catches Tim Wakefield, worked a little bit with Matsuzaka during spring training.

“Not much,” said Francona. “During spring training we have everybody rotate with everybody, but Tek caught the majority of Dice-K because we’re trying to get them familiar [with each other]. But it’s not surprising that this happens once or twice a year. Actually, in the long run, it’s probably good. Jason and I talked about it after (Saturday’s) game, it forces you to do something that ends up being good.”

*Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin has not pitched since last Monday in Cleveland. The veteran right-hander said his shoulder is a little sore, but he's expected to throw again on Tuesday. Francona was asked if there was thought of placing Timlin on the DL, but the manager doesn't think that will be the case.

“We try to do the right thing,” said Francona. “If you get to a point where the right thing looks like it’s longer, then I know we maybe have to look at different things, but I don’t think that’s where we’re at now. We’re hopeful he’ll be able to pitch on Tuesday.”

Timlin, who has worked 16 scoreless innings in his last 11 outings, spent the early part of the season on the DL and also made a rehab appearance in Pawtucket.

"It was a little bit achy, so we decided to lay off," said Timlin this morning. "Give it some time off so it doesn't flare up. It's getting better. Rest isn't always fun, but rest is good. . . as much as no one likes to admit it, especially me, I'm getting older. I don't rebound as fast as I would like to. . . . this is a team concept, it's not a sprint. If I'm able to take some rest in the middle of the race so I can finish, then we'll do that."

Timlin said a trip to the disabled list the furthest thing from his mind.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 12:42 PM | Permalink

Comments

Jack | July 29, 2007 5:16 PM link