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A different return for Kapler, Gagne »
May 16, 2008
BOSTON -- Both J.D. Drew and Julio Lugo are back in the lineup for the Red Sox as they open a seven-game homestand at Fenway.
Lugo, who missed the second-half of the recent road trip with a minor concussion, was cleared by the Sox medical staff Thursday. He's back at shortstop.
Drew, who rolled his wrist attempting to make a catch Tuesday night in Baltimore, is back, too, playing his customary right field.
Coco Crisp, who came out of Tuesday's game complaining of illness, is still cleared to return. He underwent some tests on the off-day, which came back negative.
``He feels better,'' said manager Terry Francona. ``(But) I don't think he feels terrific. I don't think he's 100 percent yet. Whatever hit him, hit him hard.''
The Sox are making no pronouncements about Tuesday's starter. With Clay Buchholz (finger) sidelined and on the disabled list, the Sox need a starting pitcher from beyond their current staff.
Sepculation has centered around Bartolo Colon, who pitched well for Pawtucket (six innings, one hit allowed, 64 pitches) in a rehab start Thursday, but Francona said that talk is premature.
``I don't have anything yet,'' said Francona. ``We'd like to take (some additional time) and talk it over and get more information from people.''
Other possibilities include David Pauley and Justin Masterson. Both made rehab starts last month when the Sox were struck by the flu and needed emergency starters.
Francona was happy to see former Sox outfielder Gabe Kapler -- now with Milwaukee -- in the Fenway Park weight room earlier this afternoon.
``That was a welcome sight,'' Francona said, ``I don't care what uniform he's in.''
Kapler, who played for the Sox from 2003 through 2006 and managed their Single A affiliate in Greenville last year, is not in the starting lineup for the Brewers tonight.
Posted by Sean McAdam 
at 4:12 PM | Permalink
