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June 15, 2008

Ellsbury sets rookie SB record

CINCINNATI -- It didn’t take long Sunday for Jacoby Ellsbury to break his tie with Amby McConnell (1908) for the Red Sox' rookie stolen-base record.

Ellsbury, leading off in the top of the first, smacked an 0-and-2 single through the left side and promptly stole second on Homer Bailey’s first pitch to the next hitter, Dustin Pedroia.

The stolen base was his 32nd of the season, putting McConnell in his rear-view mirror in the Sox’ record books.

The speedy outfielder didn’t rest on his laurels, though. He swiped third base on Bailey’s 1-and-1 pitch to Pedroia, boosting his major-league-leading total to 33. He has been caught only three times. He has been successful in all seven of his attempts at stealing third.

Ellsbury’s speed helped the Sox to a quick 1-0 lead. He trotted home on Pedroia’s sacrifice fly to right.

Ellsbury has been on a stolen-base tear. The first-inning steals Sunday gave him 14 stolen bases in his last 14 starts.

-- STEVEN KRASNER

Posted by Steven Krasner at 1:22 PM | Permalink

Matsuzaka primed for rehab start

CINCINNATI -- Daisuke Matsuzaka, who hasn't pitched since May 27 because of a strained right rotator cuff, will be starting for the Pawtucket Red Sox Monday night in Lehigh Valley in a rehab start.

It is expected the right-hander will throw 70-80 pitches, or roughly five innings.

"It's a transitional start for him, is what it is," said manager Terry Francona.

If all goes well, Matsuzaka will rejoin the Red Sox rotation for a start at home against St. Louis this Saturday.

Matsuzaka will be accompanied on the roughly one-hour trip from Philadelphia, where Boston will be playing the Phillies, by his translator, Masa Hoshino; his massage therapist, Takanori Maeda, and assistant trainer Masai Takahashi.

-- STEVEN KRASNER

Posted by Steven Krasner at 10:58 AM | Permalink

Varitek, Lugo in lineup; Manny out

CINCINNATI -- Jason Varitek, who missed the last three games because of strep throat, is back in the starting lineup on Sunday. He still looks a bit under the weather and a bit thinner, but he will be catching Josh Beckett.

Shortstop Julio Lugo, who missed Saturday's game because of an upset stomach, is back in the starting lineup as well.

Manny Ramirez, still nursing a tight right hamstring, is not able to play left field. Manager Terry Francona is hopeful Ramirez will be able to start Monday night in the opener of a three-game series in Philadelphia.

-- STEVEN KRASNER

Posted by Steven Krasner at 10:51 AM | Permalink