The Red Sox placed third baseman Mike Lowell, last year’s club MVP, on the 15-day disabled list with a strained oblique muscle. Lowell suffered the injury swinging at a pitch Tuesday night. It is his second trip to the DL this season. The Sox did not call up a hitter from the minors to replace him. Figuring their depleted bullpen is a bigger need, the Red Sox will play shorthanded with position players, at least for the moment.
The Sox optioned knuckleballer Charlie Zink back to Pawtucket game and called up righthander David Pauley, who will bolster the bullpen. They also activated righthander Paul Byrd, whom they acquired from the Indians in a trade on Tuesday. This is Pauley’s second tour with the Sox this season. He made one start back in April but did not get a decision in the Sox’ 7-6 win over the Angels. Pauley was 13-4 with a 3.32 ERA at Pawtucket and was tied for the International League lead in victories.