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Pregame notes: Colon to throw side session

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Today the Red Sox spoke with pitcher Bartolo Colon (oblique) and he’s on track to throw a side session in a couple of days. Actually, the team has scheduled the right-hander to throw three side sessions, barring setbacks, prior to May 5.

Colon’s out-clause in his contract is May 1, so, knowing he wouldn’t be able to pitch before then, Red Sox GM Theo Epstein spoke with Colon’s representatives, while manager Terry Francona spoke with the pitcher to make sure he understands how the team feels about him.

"We wanted to make sure he understood that we want to keep him,'' said Francona.

The Red Sox and Colon’s representatives, said Francona, "have worked some things out where (the opt-out date) has been moved back, and I don’t anticipate any problems. He wants to stay and we want him to stay.''

The best case scenario for Colon is he would be able to pitch in a game on or around May 5. Francona said everyone feels comfortable with this situation.

* * *
Francona gave his flu report today and everyone in the clubhouse appears to be a lot better. He said catcher Jason Varitek spent Thursday’s game at Fenway in the bullpen and "tolerated'' it. At one point Francona called the bullpen to check on Varitek's availability, but bullpen coach Gary Tuck said that probably wouldn’t be a good idea.

Varitek still looks beat up from the bug, but Francona said he would be available to play tonight if needed. With Tim Wakefield pitching, Kevin Cash is behind the plate. The manager also said Varitek should be back in the lineup on Saturday.

Pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, who remained in Boston due to the flu, felt good enough today to work out at Fenway Park. The right-hander will throw a side session on Saturday.

* * *
Relief pitcher Bryan Corey has returned. The right-hander will be in the bullpen for tonight's game against the Rays. He began the season with Boston before he was designated for assignment on April 11. He decided to become a free agent, but re-signed with the Sox on a minor-league deal on April 22. To make room on the roster for Corey, The Red Sox sent Justin Masterson back to Double-A Portland after he made his major-league debut on Thursday.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 5:32 PM | Permalink