Wakefield Could Return Next Week

Tim Wakefield could return to the Red Sox as early as Wednesday, possibly bumping Brad Penny from the rotation.

Wakefield started for Pawtucket last night (5.2-2-1-1-4, 81). The main question is whether his left calf is well enough for him to adequately field his position.

There are reports that the Red Sox have claimed Mets reliever Billy Wagner on waivers. On Thursday, Wagner pitched in his first game since having Tommy John surgery last year; he tossed a 1-2-3 inning, hitting 96 and striking out two. The Red Sox have until 1 PM on Tuesday to complete a trade; the Mets could also pull him off waivers.

The 31 runs scored last night were the most ever in a Red Sox-Yankees game. The previous high was 29 (New York 15, Boston 14; July 29, 1903).

Jacoby Ellsbury stole his 54th base of the season in the first inning last night, tying Tommy Harper's single-season record from 1973.

Michael Bowden was optioned back to Pawtucket.

It's definitely disappointing. They wanted me to go out there and eat some innings, and that's what I was here to do. ... I feel like I let the team down and the bullpen down ... hopefully it won't happen again next time.

Happy 70th Birthday to Carl Yastrzemski! (And that means it's the anniversary of my first game at Fenway Park (and first major league game): 33 years ago!