Odds & Ends. Yankees broadcaster Jim Kaat had a long conversation with Francona before Thursday's game and reported that Garciaparra asked out of the lineup. Garciaparra denied that he had asked out. ... Bill Mueller is scheduled to come off the disabled list today in Atlanta. ... David McCarty's stolen base last night was his first since May 17, 1998. ... RHP Pedro Astacio was signed to a minor league contract.

On Wednesday, Newsday's Jon Heyman said that Varitek and Schilling had "a half-serious confrontation" -- that Varitek had scolded Schilling for not showing up at the pitchers' meeting before the Yankees series. According to Varitek, it was all a joke and Francona called it "irresponsible reporting." ... There are also reports that Schilling had a heated exchange with Scott Williamson after Williamson left Wednesday's game with tenderness in his right forearm (and went back to Boston for an MRI). When asked, Schilling offered no comment.

Friday, 7:35 pm: Bronson Arroyo (2-7, 4.68) vs. Jaret Wright (5-5, 3.77)
Saturday, 7:05 pm: Curt Schilling (10-4, 3.24) vs. John Thomson (6-6, 4.69)
Sunday, 1:05 pm: Derek Lowe (6-7, 5.47) vs. Mike Hampton (2-8, 5.55)