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July 25, 2007
* Pitcher Joel Pineiro accepted his optional assignment and will start for the PawSox in Toledo tonight. The right-hander was officially designated for assignment on Monday to make room for Jon Lester. A starting pitcher by trade, Pineiro served as a reliever for Boston and manager Terry Francona admitted yesterday that a couple of times this season Pineiro said he would start if needed.
Now he’ll be able to stretch out his arm with Pawtucket for a chance to hook up with another team as a starter.
“I think starting is in his heart,” said Francona. “I understand that. We all do.”
Prior to the Red Sox signing him during the offseason, Pineiro said Boston was the one place he would play and switch to the bullpen.
* The Red Sox organization is loaded with young talented arms, and Double-A pitcher Justin Masterson has been showcasing his skills for the Sea Dogs. The 21-year-old right-hander improved to 4-0 yesterday, allowing just two runs on three hits with no walks and 10 strikeouts.
“Good for him,” said Francona. “I know he’s been real good since his call up. He’s an impressive young man. He’s a nice kid.”
Masterson has made four starts for Portland since his call up Single-A Lancaster and has worked 26 innings with a 1.04 ERA.
*Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell and shortstop Julio Lugo were given tonight off in order to keep guys fresh. . . Red Sox reliever Brendan Donnelly (forearm strain) has played catch at 90 feet the last couple of days. . .
Posted by Joe McDonald 
at 5:11 PM | Permalink
