Pitcher of the Week, 4/21-27: Daniel Bard

Keeping his scoreless inning streak alive (and unblemished ERA) Greenville RHP Daniel Bard allowed just one hit over 6.1 innings of work over three appearances, striking out 11 while issuing only one base-on-balls, and winning the SoxProspects.com Pitcher of the Week voting for April 21-27 in a blowout. Bard worked 2.2 innings at Augusta (Giants) 4/21, striking out three; 1.2 innings against Asheville (Rockies) 4/24, with four Ks and a walk; and pitched 2 innings against Hickory (Pirates) 4/27, allowing a hit and striking out 4. On the season Bard has thrown 18 innings over nine games, surrendering six hits (.105 BAA) and three walks, while striking out 27. Bard was also named SoxProspects.com Pitcher of the week for April 3-6.

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Player of the Week, 4/21-27: Sandy Madera

Playing a majority of the week (five games) in Portland before making his Pawtucket debut, 1B/C Sandy Madera blistered the ball at a .500/.538/.958 (1.496 OPS) pace, with two home runs and five doubles, batting in three runs while scoring five and completely ran away with the SoxProspects.com Player of the Week voting for April 21-27. Madera, 27, was purchased from New Jersey of the independent Can-Am League and posted a .421/.463/.737 line over 38 ABs (3 HR, 3 doubles, 1.200 OPS) in nine games with the Sea Dogs before being called up to Pawtucket and going 3/4 with two doubles on Sunday (4/27).

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Hagadone surgery delayed

According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, Nick Hagadone's visit to see Dr. James Andrews has been temporarily delayed:

Nick Hagadone, the Red Sox' No. 1 pick in the 2007 draft, was supposed to meet with Dr. James Andrews, but the visit has been delayed. Hagadone is seeking a second opinion after he tore an ulnar collateral ligament, which normally would mean Tommy John surgery. An infection in his leg, however, has put the examination on hold, since Hagadone can't travel at the moment

-In the Waiting Room, Boston.com, (April 30, 2008).

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Exposito's homerun and 3 RBI lead Drive to victory

On Tuesday, Pawtucket fell to Rochester, 9-3. Michael Tejera pitched 5 1/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 6 hits while striking out 5 and walking 2. Craig Hansen was hit hard for the first time this year in 1 1/3 innings giving up 3 runs on 2 hits while striking out 1 and walking 1. Eric Hull took the loss for the Pawsox as he went 1 inning giving up 3 runs on 4 hits, striking out 1. Jeff Bailey and Joe Thurston each went 2 for 4 with a run scored while Keith Ginter went 1 for 4 with an RBI.

Portland was defeated by Bowie, 4-3. Dustin Richardson pitched 4 innings giving up 4 runs on 5 hits while striking out 3 and walking 4. Kyle Jackson and Miguel Asencio each pitched 2 scoreless innings in the loss. Jeff Corsaletti went 4 for 4 with a double, triple and 2 runs scored. Andrew Pinckney went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI and Aaron Bates went 1 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored.

Lancaster lost to Rancho Cucamonga, 5-3. James Russ pitched 5 innings giving up 4 runs on 9 hits while striking out 1 and walking 2. Josh Papelbon threw 2 scoreless innings striking out 2. Josh Reddick and Aaron Reza each went 2 for 4 while Zak Farkes went 1 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored. Lars Anderson went 1 for 4 with a double in the loss.

Greenville beat Rome, 8-4. Chris Province pitched 3 innings giving up 4 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits while striking out 2. Chad Povich picked up the win after pitching 4 shutout innings on 1 hit while striking out 3. Bryce Cox pitched 2 scoreless innings, striking out 1 to pick up his first save. Luis Exposito went 3 for 5 with a homerun, 3 RBI and 3 runs scored. Mike Jones and Yamaico Navarro each went 2 for 4 with an RBI and a walk while Ryan Kalish went 1 for 2 with a double and 3 walks. David Mailman went 1 for 4 with a homerun and 2 RBI in the Drive’s win.


Player of the Night: Luis Exposito who went 3 for 5 with a homerun, 3 RBI and 3 runs scored in Greenville’s 8-4 win.

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Lowell returns, Corey DFA'd

The Red Sox have activated 3B Mike Lowell from the disabled list and have correspondingly designated RHP Bryan Corey for assignment for the second time this month. Corey was re-signed April 23 as a minor league free agent after having been earlier DFA'd for a returning RHP Mike Timlin and was recalled to Boston after RHP Justin Masterson made his spot start and was returned to Portland April 25. His worked 1.2 innings against Tampa on Friday (4/25) allowing 2 hits and walking two, while striking one in his only action since returning to the Sox. Lowell is listed in the starting line up for tonight's game against Toronto.

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Anderson's 2 home run night powers Jethawks to victory

4/29 Cup of Coffee: On Monday, Pawtucket downed Rochester 8-6. David Pauley pitched 5 innings giving up 1 run on 6 hits while striking out 3 and walking 1 to pick up the win. Lee Gronkiewicz pitched 1 1/3 innings striking out 1 to pick up his 5th save of the season. Sandy Madera provided the offense going 1 for 4 with a home run and 4 RBI. Jeff Bailey, Jonathan Van Every, and Gil Velazquez each had 2 hits and an RBI in the Pawsox win.

Lancaster defeated Lake Elsinore 8-6. Chris Jones pitched 3 2/3 innings, giving up 4 runs (3 earned) on 7 hits while striking out 4 and walking 2. Blake Maxwell pitched 3 innings in releif, giving up 1 run on 1 hit while striking out 1 to pick up the win. Lars Anderson went 4 for 4 with 2 home runs and 4 RBI in the victory. Josh Reddick went 1 for 1 with his first home run for the Jethawks. Reid Engel and Dennis Blackmon picked up two hits a piece.

Greenville lost to Hickory 9-8 in 10 innings. Terumasa Matsuo pitched 4 innings giving up 6 runs (4 earned) on 10 hits while striking out 3. Ryne Lawson pitched 2 scoreless innings striking out 2. Mike Jones went 3 for 4 with 3 doubles and 2 RBI, while Ty Weeden went 2 for 5 with a home run and 4 RBI. Yamaico Navarro went 2 for 6 with a home run and 1 RBI.


Player of the Night: Anderson, who went 4 for 4 with 2 homeruns and 4 RBI in Lancaster’s 8-6 win.

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Mailman's big day propels Greenville to victory

4/28 Cup of Coffee: On Sunday, Pawtucket beaten by Buffalo 4-3 which completed a game sweep of the Pawsox. Kyle Snyder pitched 5 1/3 innings for the Pawsox giving up 3 runs on 3 hits while striking out 2 and walking 2. Eric Hull pitched 1 2/3 innings giving up a run on 3 hits while striking out 2 but was charged with the loss. Sandy Madera went 3 for 4 with 2 doubles in his Triple-A debut. Keith Ginter went 2 for 4 and Mike Lowell went 1 for 4 with an RBI in his final rehab game for the Pawsox.

Portland defeated Binghamton 3-0 behind the strong pitching of Kris Johnson. He pitched 6 shutout innings on 5 hits while striking out 3. Mike James pitched two scoreless innings striking out 1. Jeff Corsaletti, Sean Danielson, and Mark Wagner had two hits apiece and Mickey Hall hit a solo homerun in the win.

Lancaster beat Lake Elsinore 4-2. Adam Mills pitched 7 innings giving up 2 runs on 5 hits while striking out 2. TJ Large threw a scoreless ninth inning striking out the side to pick up the save. Argenis Diaz and Josh Reddick each went 2 for 3 with an RBI while Jon Still went 1 for 4 with an RBI.

Greenville pounded Hickory 10-4. Eammon Portice pitched 5 innings giving up 4 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits while striking out 4 and walking 4. Daniel Bard was dominating once again as he went 2 scoreless innings striking out 4. Felix Ventura pitched the final 2 innings giving up no runs while striking out 2. David Mailman went 3 for 4 with a double, 2 RBI and 4 runs scored. Ty Weeden also had a 3 for 4 day with a double, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. Kris Negron had 2 hits and 2 RBI while Mike Jones went 1 for 3 with a double 2 RBI, 2 runs scored and 2 walks. David Marks also went 2 for 3 with a triple, a run scored and 2 walks.

Player of the Night: David Mailman who went 3 for 4 with a double, 2 RBI and 4 runs scored in Greenville's 10-4 win.

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Bowden throws 6 scoreless innings in Sea Dog win

4/27 Cup of Coffee: On Saturday, Buffalo downed Pawtucket 4-1. Devern Hansack (0-3) went 2 2/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 4 hits and 2 BB. He had 3 Ks. Jon Switzer threw 2 1/3 innings allowing 1 run on 3 hits and 2 BB. He had 2 Ks. After his brief one game stint in Boston, Criag Hansen continued his scoreless streak by throwing 2 perfect innings with 3 Ks. Lincoln Holdzkom threw 1 inning giving up a run on 3 BB. Jeff Bailey went 1 for 3 and scored a run.

Portland hammered Binghampton 12-1. Michael Bowden (1-2) retired the first 11 batters he faced on route to throwing 6 scoreless frames. He gave up 3 hits and did not walk a batter. He fanned 11. Hunter Jones pitched 2 scoreless innings allowing 1 hit. He struck out 4. Daniel Haigwood pitched the final frame allowing 1 run on 1 hit. Sean Danielson went 2 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI. John Otness went 2 for with a home run and 2 runs scored. Aaron Bates went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Andrew Pinckney went 4 for 5 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 3 RBI. Ryan Khoury went 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored and a RBI. Tony Granadillo went 2 for 3 with a run scored and 2 RBI.

Lake Elsinore scored 4 runs in the top of the 9th inning to stage a come from behind 7-5 win over Lancaster. Tony Bajoczky went 5 innings giving up 3 runs on 8 hits. He did not allow a BB while fanning 2. Carlos Vasquez threw 3 scoreless frames giving up 1 hit and a BB. He had 4 Ks. Josh Papelbon (0-2) allowed a grand slam home run in the 9th on 3 hits and a BB to lose the lead and the game. He had 1 K. Lars Anderson went 3 for 5 with a run scored and a RBI. Jon Still went 2 for 5. Josh Reddick went 2 for 5 with a run scored and a RBI.

Hickory defeated Greenville 7-2. Ryan Colvin went 4 innings allowing 1 run on 2 hits. He had 4 Ks. Jordan Craft (0-2) threw 1 1/3 frames allowing 6 runs on 6 hits and 2 BB. Bryce Cox pitched 2 1/3 scoreless frames. He allowed 4 hits and a BB. He had 1 K. Ryne Lawson pitched the final 1 1/3 innings allowing 0 runs on 1 hit and a BB. He had 1 K. Che-Hsuan Lin went 2 for 5 and scored a run. Mike Jones went 2 for 4 with a RBI.

Player of the Night: Michael Bowden who threw 6 scoreless 3 hit innings fanning 11. Honorable mention to Andrew Pinckney.

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Moss with Sox, Casey likely to DL

1B/OF Brandon Moss is with the Red Sox in Tampa, The Boston Globe's Amalie Benjamin is reporting. This move would seem to suggest that 1B Sean Casey, who left last night's game with a hip flexor injury, will be placed on the DL ... In other roster moves, RHP Dan Kolb, who had signed as a minor league free agent in the offseason has been released and RHP Devern Hansack has been activated to take his place at Pawtucket.

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Sox draft slot falls 18 spots after rule re-interpretation

As reported by Jim Callis of Baseball America, the Red Sox compensation draft pick for failing to sign 2008 second round pick Hunter Morris has now been slotted at number 85 overall, after previously being slotted at number 67 overall, due to a re-re-intereptation of the new rule:

This is the first year in which teams will receive a compensation choice for failing to sign second-round picks. The Braves get a pick for not signing Georgia righthander Joshua Fields (now back with the Bulldogs) and the Red Sox get one for not landing Alabama high school first baseman Hunter Morris (now at Auburn). Initially, MLB said the two clubs would receive choices corresponding to the ones immediately following their picks from 2007. That gave Atlanta the 70th overall pick and Boston the 85th overall pick. During the offseason, MLB reinterpreted the rule and decided that the teams would get choices corresponding to the ones immediately following their place in the second round last June. That gave the Braves the sixth pick in the second round (No. 52 overall) and the Red Sox the 21st pick in the round (No. 67 overall). Earlier this month, MLB reversed course and decided that its first interpretation was correct. Atlanta will get the No. 70 choice and Boston will get the No. 85 choice.

-Baseball America: Draft Rule Changes, (April 25, 2008).

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Smith throws 6 innings of 1 hit ball in PawSox win

4/26 Cup of Coffee: Chris Smith threw 6 innings of shutout 1 hit ball to lead Pawtucket to a 6-1 win over Syracuse. He allowed 3 BB while fanning 2. Edgar Martinez went the final 3 innings giving up 1 run on 1 hit. He struck out 5. Chris Carter went 2 for 3 with a run scored and a RBI. Keith Ginter went 3 for 4. Jon Van Every went 1 for 2 with a home run and 2 runs scored.

Portland defeated Binghampton 6-4. Matt Goodson started and went 5 innings allowing 3 runs on 4 hits and 3 BB. He had 4 Ks. Jose Vaquedano (4-0) went 3 innings and gave up 1 run on a hit and a BB. He had 4 Ks. Beau Vaughn pitched the 9th striking out the 3 batters he faced. Bubba Bell went 1 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBI. Jeff Corsaletti went 2 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBI. Sandy Madera went 2 for 4 with 2 home runs.

In California, Lake Elsinore defeated Lancaster 7-5. Travis Beazley threw 5 innings giving up 5 runs on 6 hits and 2 BB. He had 3 Ks. Richie Lentz (0-1) threw 1 2/3 frames and gave up 1 run on 1 hit and 5 BB. He had 2 Ks. Blake Maxwell pitched the final 2 1/3 frames and allowed 1 run on 3 hits. He fanned 1. Chih-Hsien Chiang went 2 for 4 with a RBI. Reid Engel went 2 for 3 with a run scored. Jorge Jimenez went 1 for 4 with a home run and 3 RBI.

Asheville blasted Greenville 11-3. Jose Alvarez (0-3) started and lasted 2 innings. He gave up 7 runs on 6 hits including 3 home runs. He allowed 2 BB and struck out 3. Chad Povich went 4 innings and allowed 1 run on 2 hits. He fanned 5. Joseph Guerra threw 2 innings allowing 1 run on 3 hits. He had 2 Ks. Felix Ventura threw an inning and gave up 2 runs on 3 hits. He struck out 2. Ryan Kalish went 1 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI. Mike Jones went 1 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI.

Player of the Night: Chris Smith who threw 6 innings of shutout, 1 hit ball to lead the PawSox to victory

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Thurston rejoins Pawtucket

OF Joe Thurston has cleared waivers and will rejoin AAA Pawtucket. He was designated for assignment April 22 to make room for RHP David Pauley, who was called up to make a spot start in place of RHP Josh Beckett. In other Pawtucket news, 3B Mike Lowell has begun a rehabilitation stint with the Paw Sox.

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Hagadone Update

According to multiple media reports, Nick Hagadone does indeed have a torn ulnar collateral ligament, and team doctors have recommended Tommy John Surgery. Hagadone will actually meet with Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham on Monday to get a second opinion, and if the need for surgery is confirmed, the operation is likely to go forward on Tuesday as previously reported.

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Sox affiliates swept on Thursday

4/25 Cup of Coffee: Last night was one of those rare nights when everyone of the Sox affiliates fell on their swords. Syracuse doubled the score on Pawtucket 4-2. Charlie Zink started and went 6 innings allowing 2 runs on 9 hits. He had 3 Ks. Abe Alvarez (1-1) threw 2/3 of an inning giving up 1 run on 1 hit. He had a K. Dan Kolb threw 2/3 of a frame giving up 1 run on 3 hits and a BB. Jon Switzer pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings giving up 1 hit and a BB. Lincoln Holdzkom went 1/3 of an inning. He gave up a BB and fanned 1. Jeff Bailey went 2 for 3. Chad Spann went 2 for 4 and scored a run.

Binghampton blanked Portland 2-0. Kyle Jackson started and threw 4 scoreless innings. He allowed 1 hit and did not walk a batter. He had 3 Ks. Miquel Asencio (1-1) threw 2 innings giving up a run on 2 hits and a BB. He had 4 Ks. Chad Rhoades went 2 innings allowing 1 run on 3 hits and a BB. He had 1 K. Mike James threw a clean final inning with a K. Bubba Bell went 2 for 3 with 2 doubles and got his average over the dreaded Mendoza line.

Modesto defeated Lancaster 5-1. James Russ (0-2) went 3 innings and gave up 3 runs on 7 hits and a BB. He had 2 Ks. Brian Steinocher tossed 3 scoreless, hitless innings allowing just 1 BB. He had 1 K. TJ Large went 1 1/3 frames giving up 2 runs on 5 hits. He fanned 2. Josh Papelbon threw the final 2/3 of the final inning. He retired the 2 hitters he faced fanning 1 of them. Lars Anderson went 2 for 5 and scored a run. Jon Still went 2 for 4.

Greenville entered the 9th inning tied 6-6 with Asheville but gave up 5 runs in the top half of the final inning to lose 11-6. Terumasa Matsuo went 3 2/3 frames giving up 6 runs on 8 hits and 3 BB. He had 4 Ks. Ryne Lawson threw 2 2/3 of an inning and did not allow a run or a hit. He gave up 2 BB and fanned 4. Daniel Bard extended his scoreless streak to start the season to 15 innings by tossing another scoreless 1 2/3 frames. He did not allow a hit but gave up 1 BB. He fanned 4. Joseph Guerra took the loss giving up 5 runs on 1 hit and 4 BB in the 9th inning. He had 1 K. Yamaico Navarro went 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a RBI. Mike Jones went 2 for 5 with a run scored and a RBI. He is now hitting .408. Anthony Rizzo went 3 for 5 and is now hitting .400. David Mailman went 3 for 5 with a run scored.

Player of the Night: Kyle Jackson who in a rare start threw 4 scoreless 1 hit innings for the Sea Dogs

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Masterson to Portland, Corey back to Boston

RHP Justin Masterson was optioned back to AA Portland after his start today against the Angels. RHP Bryan Corey will be promoted from AAA Pawtucket. Corey rejoined the organization earlier this week as a minor league free agent, having refused reassignment after being designated for assignment April 11.

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Kalish Added to Greenville Roster

Ryan Kalish has been called up to Greenville from Extended Spring Training and added to the Drive's roster. Kalish, 20, was off to a hot start last season in Lowell, putting up a .368/.471/.540 line with 3 homers, 13 driven in, and 12 steals in 23 games, when he broke his hamate bone. Initially going the rehab route, Kalish had surgery in the Fall and was not yet 100% to start the Spring. He was initially expected to start the season with the Drive, but joins them three weeks late after spending some extra time healing up in Fort Myers.

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Tommy John Surgery for Hagadone

SoxProspects.com has confirmed from three separate sources that LHP Nick Hagadone will leave Greenville on Sunday to have Tommy John Surgery on Tuesday, April 29 by Dr. James Andrews. Hagadone last pitched on Aprl 16 against Greensboro, but he left that game after just 2.1 innings complaining of forearm tightness. Apparently the UCL injury occurred while Hagadone was working on his change-up. He heard a pop, and was able to go about ten more pitches before leaving the game. The injury was initially thought to be minor, but it was decided in recent days that Hagodone will undergo surgery next week so he can begin his rehab stint as soon as possible. He'll reportedly be out of game action until at least June 2009. Hagadone, 22, was 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA, 12 strikeouts, and 6 walks in 3 starts for the Drive. He is currently ranked the #6 prospect in the system by SoxProspects.com.

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Masterson to Boston

According to the Portland Press Herald, Justin Masterson will get the call to Boston to make a spot start for the big league club this afternoon. The need for a spot starter has arisen largely due to a bad flu bug going around the Sox clubhouse. Josh Beckett was scratched Tuesday because of the flu and a stiff neck. Yesterday, Jon Lester had to pitch on three days rest to fill in for Daisuke Matsuzaka, also out with the flu. Jason Varitek and Manny Delcarmen have also been out for several days. Masterson, 23, was 1-0 with a 0.95 ERA, 23 strikeouts and 5 walks in four starts for AA Portland. Following the recent "graduation" of Jacoby Ellsbury, Masterson is the Red Sox' #2 prospect according to SoxProspects.com. He'll likely take the place of Craig Hansen, as the Sox continue rotating through optioned players until they're back to full health. While Masterson's stint will also likely be a short one, the team has plans for him to begin contributing full-time come August or so. Last July, he took some time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions from SoxProspects.

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Tejeda makes impressive debut for Greenville

4/24 Cup of Coffee: Yesterday Pawtucket defeated Syracuse 3-1 behind the strong start of Michael Tejera (1-2). He allowed 1 run in 6 innings of work giving up 4 hits and a BB. He had 4 Ks. Eric Hull went 1/3 of an inning giving up 1 hit and a BB. Bryan Corey went 2/3 of an inning retiring the 2 hitters he faced fanning 1 of them. Jon Switzer and Lee Gronkiewicz each threw a clean inning. Switzer had a K. Dusty Brown went 2 for 4. George Kottaras went 1 for 3 with a home run.

New Hampshire doubled the score on Portland 4-2. Dustin Richardson (3-1) threw 4 innings and gave up 3 runs on 4 hits and 4 BB. He had 6 Ks. Daniel Haigwood went 1 2/3 frames giving up 1 run on 1 hit and 3 BB. He had a K. Hunter Jones lowered his ERA to 1.42 throwing 2 scoreless innings. He allowed 2 hits and fanned 2. Beau Vaughn pitched the final 1 1/3 innings. He did not allow a run or a hit. He walked 1 and struck out 1. Sean Danielson went 3 for 5 and scored a run. Jeff Corsaletti went 2 for 5 with a RBI. Sandy Madera went 2 for 5 with a RBI. Mark Wagner went 2 for 3.

Modesto blanked Lancaster 3-0. Chris Jones (1-2) threw 5 2/3 innings and gave up 1 run on 3 hits and a BB. He had 8 Ks. Carlos Vasquez pitched the final 2 1/3 frames. He gave up 2 runs on 3 hits. He fanned 3. Dennis Blackmon went 2 for 4.

Greenville got by Asheville 5-3. Felix Doubront (4-0) went 5 innings allowing 1 run on 4 hits. He fanned 7. Ryan Colvin went 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 2 hits. Bryce Cox threw 2 scoreless innings allowing 1 hit while fanning 1. Felix Ventura pitched the final inning giving up 1 run on 1 hit. Anthony Rizzo went 2 for 3 with a run scored and a RBI. Oscar Tejeda went 2 for 3 with a run scored and a RBI. Luis Exposito went 1 for 3 with a home run and 3 RBI.

Player of the Night: Michael Tejera who won his first game of the season going 6 innings giving up just 1 run

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Craig Hansen called up

The Red Sox have called up RHP Craig Hansen and are returning RHP David Pauley to AAA Pawtucket. On the season Hansen is 1-0 with an 0.00 ERA (one unearned run), allowing three hits and four walks and striking out 13 in 12.1 innings over eight appearances with Pawtucket.

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Player of the Week, 4/14-20: Mike Jones

Greenville DH Mike Jones had a torrid week at the plate, posting a .567/.618/.800 (1.418 OPS) line with one homer and four doubles, batting in eight runs and scoring nine in 30 ABs, in recognition of which he was voted SoxProspects.com Player of the Week for April 14-20. For the season Jones is an eye-popping .409/.473/.591 (1.064 OPS) in 66 ABs over 17 games, with two HR, four doubles and three triples, while batting in 13 runs. He was also named South Atlantic League Player of the Week for the same period. Jones, 22, was a 25th round pick in 2004.

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Pitcher of the Week, 4/14-20: Craig Hansen

In three appearances spanning four innings of work, RHP Craig Hansen faced the minimum number of batters and the results were a perfect 12-up, 12-down, earning himself SoxProspects.com Pitcher of the Week honors for April 14-20. Hansen worked one-third of an inning at Louisville (Reds) April 14, two innings at Indianapolis (Reds), striking out two, April 16, and one and two-thirds innings against Buffalo (Indians) striking out one. This perfect week keeps Hansen's season ERA at 0.00 (one unearned run) in 12.1 innings of work, allowing three hits and four walks, striking out 13 over eight appearances.

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Pinckney's 5 RBI leads Sea Dogs to victory

4/23 Cup of Coffee: The action was light on Tuesday as only two teams saw action. Portland hammered New Hampshire 11-2. Kris Johnson (1-1) went 5 2/3 innings allowing 2 runs on 4 hits and 3 BB. He had 6 Ks. Jose Vaquedano threw 1 1/3 frames and did not allow a run. He gave up 1 hit while fanning 2. Miguel Asencio went 1 inning giving up 1 hit and a BB. Mike James threw a clean 9th. Bubba Bell went 1 for 4 with a home run. Sean Danielson went 2 for 4 with a run scored. Sandy Madera went 2 for 5 and scored twice. John Otness went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored. Andrew Pinckney went 3 for 5 with a home run and 5 RBI. Ryan Khoury went 2 for 3 with 4 RBI.

Modesto defeated Lancaster 4-1 in the only other game for Sox affiliates. Jimmy James (2-1) went 5 innings giving up 3 runs on 7 hits and 2 BB. He had 5 Ks. Richie Lentz threw 2 innings without allowing a run. He gave up 1 hit and a BB. He had 3 Ks. Scott Lonergan pitched the final inning allowing 1 run on 1 hit and a BB. Jason Place went 2 for 4 with a home run.

Player of the Night: Andrew Pinckney who went 3 for 5 with a homer and 5 RBI in the Sea Dog win

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Pauley Receives the Call

RHP David Pauley has been called up to Boston this afternoon as Josh Beckett has been scratched from the start tonight against the Angels due to a stiff neck. In the counter move INF/OF Joe Thurston has been designated for assignment. Pauley has been off to a solid start for the Paw Sox going 1-1 with a 1.17 ERA in 3 starts. He saw big league action back in 2005. Thurston struggled in his brief call-up to Boston failing to get a hit in 8 at-bats over 4 games.

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Tejeda and Reza Promoted

Oscar Tejeda and Aaron Reza were both promoted today in moves by the organization. Reza, off to a hot start, posted a .353/.441/.667/1.107 line with 3 homers and 11 RBI in 15 games with Greenville while playing a flawless second base. Reza will join the Pawtucket Red Sox.

Tejeda will join the Greenville Drive fresh off his stint in XST. Tejeda had been slowed this spring by a staph infection as it was expected he would have started the season with the Drive. After starting 2007 in the Gulf Coast League, Tejeda continued to impress with a .298/.347/.394/.740 line as a 17 year old with the Lowell Spinners.

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Ginter's 3 hits lead Pawtucket to 10 inning win

4/22 Cup of Coffee: On Patriots Day, Pawtucket edged Buffalo 6-5 in 10 innings. Kyle Snyder threw 4 innings allowing 4 runs on 3 hits and a BB. He had 4 Ks. Dan Kolb threw 2 scoreless innings allowing 2 hits. He had 2 Ks. Craig Hansen pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings. He allowed 1 hit and 1 BB. He had 2 Ks. He extended his streak of not allowing an earned run to 12 1/3 frames. Abe Alvarez went 2/3 of an inning and allowed 1 BB. He had a K. Lee Gronkiewicz pitched an inning allowing 1 run on 1 hit. He had 2 Ks. Lincoln Holdzkom (3-0) pitched the final inning. He did not allow a hit or a run but gave up 2 BB. Keith Ginter went 3 for 4 with a home run and 2 runs scored. Jeff Bailey went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored. Jon Van Every went 2 for 4 with a run scored and 2 RBI. Gil Velazquez went 2 for 5 with 2 RBI.

New Hampshire downed Portland 9-3. Mike Bowden (0-2) threw 4 2/3 innings allowing 6 runs on 7 hits and 3 BB. He had 5 Ks. Daniel Haigwood went 1 1/3 frames giving up 1 run on 1 hit. Chad Rhoades pitched 2 innings giving up 1 run on 3 hits and a BB. He had 2 Ks. Kyle Jackson pitched the final inning allowing 1 run on 3 hits. He had 2 Ks. Sandy Madera went 2 for 2 at the plate.

Lancaster had the day off on Monday.

Augusta downed Greenville 5-2. Eammon Portice (1-3) went 4 1/3 innings and gave up 5 runs on 6 hits and 4 BB. He had 4 Ks. Daniel Bard continued his mastery over A level hitters this season. He threw 2 2/3 scoreless frames. He did not allow a hit or a BB while fanning 3. He now has threw 14 1/3 innings without allowing a run. He has given up only 5 hits and 2 BB over that time. He also has 19 K. Joseph Guerra pitched a scoreless 9th allowing a hit while striking out 1. Che-Hsuan Lin went 3 for 3 in the game and scored a run. Mike Jones went 2 for 4.

Player of the Night: Keith Ginter who went 3 for 4 with a home run and 2 runs scored

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Portland's and Greenville's bats explode on Sunday

4/21 Cup of Coffee: Sunday's action saw all four Sox affiliates win their games. Pawtucket defeated Buffalo 5-1. Edgar Martinez started and went 4 1/3 innings. He did not allow a run on 4 hits and 3 BB. Jon Switzer (1-0) threw 2 1/3 frames and gave up 1 run on 3 hits. He had 4 Ks. Eric Hull went 1 1/3 innings and did not allow a run on 4 hits. He had 2 Ks. Lee Gronkiewicz pitched the final inning allowing 1 hit while fanning 1. Jeff Bailey went 2 for 4 with a home run and 3 RBI. Keith Ginter went 1 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBI.

Portland blasted Binghampton 13-2. Matt Goodson (1-0) threw 5 innings giving up 1 run on 5 hits and 1 BB. He had 5 Ks. Miguel Asencio threw 1 2/3 innings allowing 1 run on 1 hit and 2 BB. He had 1 K. Jose Vaquedano went 1 1/3 frames and did not allow a run on 1 hit. He had 1 K. Beau Vaughn pitched the final inning allowing 1 hit. He had 1 K. Bubba Bell went 3 for 6 with 1 run and a RBI. Ryan Khoury went 4 for 5 with a run scored and 2 RBI. Tony Granadillo went 2 for 5 with a run scored and 2 RBI. Sandy Mandera went 3 for 5 and scored 2 runs. Jay Johnson went 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Andrew Pinckney went 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. John Otness went 2 for 5 with a run scored and a RBI. Sean Danielson went 2 for 6 and scored twice.

Lancaster doubled Bakersfield 4-2. Tony Bajoczky went 5 innings and allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and 1 BB. He had 3 Ks. Carlos Vasquez (2-0) threw 2 perfect innings and fanned 2. TJ Large earned the save throwing 2 clean frames with 2 Ks. Chi-Hsien Chiang went 2 for 5 with a home run. Dennis Blackmon also went 2 for 5 with a homer.

Greenville hammered Augusta 19-7. Chris Province threw 4 1/3 frames giving up 3 runs on 4 hits and 2 BB. He had 2 Ks. Bryce Cox (1-0) got the win going 1 2/3 frames. He allowed 2 runs on 2 hits and a BB. He had 3 Ks. Chad Povich threw 2 scoreless frames allowing 3 hits. He had a K. Felix Ventura threw 1 inning allowing 2 runs on 3 hits. He had a K. Aaron Reza went 3 for 6 with 3 runs scored and 4 RBI. Yamaico Navarro went 4 for 6 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Mike Jones went 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Anthony Rizzo went 3 for 6 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Luis Exposito went 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a RBI. Manny Arambarris went 2 for 5 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBI.

Player of the Night: Aaron Reza who had 3 hits to go along with 3 runs scored and 4 RBI

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Masterson K's 10 in Sea Dog win

4/20 Cup of Coffee: Buffalo blanked Pawtucket 7-0 on Saturday. Chris Smith (0-2) started and went 5 1/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 5 hits and a BB. He had 3 Ks. Craig Hansen threw a perfect 1 2/3 frames with 1 K to extend his season starting streak to 11 innings without allowing an earned run. Abe Alvarez lasted 1/3 of an inning giving up 3 runs on 2 hits and a BB. Lee Gronkiewicz pitched a clean 9th with 1 K. Keith Ginter went 2 for 3.

Portland defeated Binghampton 6-2 to extend their winning streak to 7 games. Their 12-3 record is good enough for a 3 game lead in the Northern Division of the Eastern League. Justin Masterson (1-0) went 5 innings and did not allow a run on 4 hits and 2 BB. He had 10 Ks. Kyle Jackson threw 1 1/3 innings giving up 1 run on 4 hits. He had 2 Ks. Hunter Jones went 2 2/3 frames allowing 1 run on 3 hits. He had 2 Ks. Tony Granadillo went 2 for 5 with 3 RBI. Iggy Suarez went 2 for 4 with a run scored and 2 RBI.

Bakersfield got by Lancaster 8-5. Adam Mills started and went 5 innings allowing 3 runs on 9 hits and 2 BB. He had 1 K. Josh Papelbon blew the save giving up 2 runs on 3 hits and a BB in 2 innings. He had 1 K. Blake Maxwell (0-2) took the loss giving up 3 runs on 3 hits. Jason Place went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a RBI. Jon Still went 2 for 5 with a RBI.

Augusta downed Greenville 9-3. Jose Alvarez (0-2) took the loss going 5 innings. He gave up 5 runs on 6 hits and 3 BB. He had 4 Ks. Ryan Colvin went 2 innings allowing 4 runs on 5 hits and 2 BB. He had 2 Ks. Joseph Guerra pitched 1 clean inning. He had 2 Ks. Mike Jones went 3 for 3 with a run scored. He is now hitting .415. Anthony Rizzo went 2 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI. He is hitting .386.

Player of the Night: Justin Masterson who threw 5 scoreless innings with 10 Ks in the Sea Dog win

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Bard's scoreless streak now at 11 2/3 innings

4/19 Cup of Coffee: Friday's action saw Pawtucket blast Indianapolis 17-5. Charlie Zink (2-1) pitched 5 innings allowing 2 runs on 3 hits and 2 BB. He had 4 Ks. Dan Kolb threw 2 innings giving up 3 runs on 2 hits and a BB. He had 1 K. Jon Switzer threw 2 perfect innings recording 1 K. Brandon Moss went 3 for 6 with a home run, 3 runs scored and 5 RBI. Chris Carter went 5 for 6 with a run scored and 3 RBI. Jeff Bailey went 2 for 3 with a home run. Jon Van Every went 2 for 4 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 4 RBI.

Portland blasted Binghampton 9-3. Dustin Richardson (3-0) went 6 innings giving up 2 runs on 5 hits. He did not allow a BB while fanning 6. Mike James threw 2 innings allowing a run on 3 hits. He had 3 Ks. Beau Vaughn threw a perfect 9th fanning the side. Sean Danielson went 2 for 5 with a run scored. Bubba Bell only went 1 for 6 but that hit was a grandslam homer. Jeff Corsaletti went 2 for 4 with a run scored. Mark Wagner went 3 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI. Iggy Suarez went 2 for 4 with a run scored and 3 RBI.

Lancaster blanked Bakersfield 4-0 behind the strong start of Travis Beazley (1-2) who threw 6 innings of shutout ball allowing just 3 hits. He did not allow a BB while striking out 7. Richie Lentz threw 2 perfect frames fanning 5. TJ Large threw the final inning allowing 1 hit while fanning 2. Cheh-Hsien Chiang went 2 for 5 with a home run. Mickey Hall went 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored.

Greensboro edged Greenville 9-8. Terumasa Matsuo gave up 5 runs on 6 hits and 3 BB in 4 2/3 innings. He had 2 Ks. Ryne Lawson threw 2 1/3 frames giving up 4 runs on 2 hits and 3 BB. He had 1 K. Daniel Bard extended his scoreless streak to 11 2/3 innings throwing 2 innings and allowing 1 BB while fanning 2. Che-Hsuan Lin went 3 for 5 with a run scored and a RBI. Mike Jones went 2 for 4 with a home run, 3 runs scored and 2 RBI. Anthony Rizzo went 3 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI.

Player of the Night: Brandon Moss whose 3 hits including a home run produced 3 runs scored and 5 RBI

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Doubront's 5 scoreless innings lead Greenville to win

4/18 Cup of Coffee: Indianapolis edged Pawtucket 5-4 Thursday night. Michael Tejera (0-2) threw 5 2/3 innings allowing 5 runs on 6 hits and a BB. He had 1 K. Lincoln Holdzkom pitched the final 2 1/3 frames. He did not give up a run on 2 hits. He had 1 K. George Kottaras went 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBI. He is now hitting .304. Dusty Brown went 2 for 3 and scored a run. Jon Van Every went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a RBI.

Portland edged Binghampton 5-4. Kris Johnson went 4 1/3 innings allowing 3 runs on 5 hits and 3 BB. He had 3 Ks. Chad Rhoades went 2 2/3 frames giving up 1 run on 3 hits and a BB. He had 2 Ks. Kyle Fernandes (1-0) threw the final 2 innings. He did not give up a run or a hit. He allowed 1 BB and had 2 Ks. Jeff Corsaletti went 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBI. Iggy Suarez went 3 for 4 with a RBI.

Lancaster got by Bakersfield 5-3. James Russ went 4 2/3 innings giving up 1 run on 1 hit and 4 BB. He had 6 Ks. Carlos Vasquez (1-0) went 2 1/3 frames giving up 1 run on 2 hits. He had 1 K. Brian Steinocher closed out the final 2 innings allowing 1 run on a hit and a BB. He had 3 Ks. Jon Still went 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 runs scored. Jorge Jimenez went 2 for 4 with a home run and 3 RBI. He is now hitting .444.

Greenville blanked Greensboro 6-0. Felix Doubront (3-0) went 5 2/3 innings and did not allow a run or a BB. He gave up 5 hits while fanning 8. Chad Povich went 2 1/3 innings and did not allow a run on 2 hits. He fanned 1. Felix Ventura threw a perfect final frame recording 2 Ks. Yamaico Navarro went 2 for 5 and scored a run. Mike Jones went 3 for 5 with a run scored and 3 RBI. Manny Arambarris went 2 for 3. Ty Weeden went 1 for 3 with a home run.

Player of the Night: Felix Doubront who picked up his third win without a loss tossing 5 2/3 scoreless innings. He did not allow a BB while fanning 8.

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Portland wins 17 inning marathon

4/17 Cup of Coffee: Action on Wednesday saw Pawtucket edge Indianapolis 4-3 in 11 innings. Abe Alvarez strated and went 2 innings giving up 2 runs on 3 hits and 2 BB. Kyle Synder threw 2 1/3 innings allowing 1 run on 1 hit. He had 2 Ks. Edgar Martinez threw 1 2/3 scoreless frames. He gave up 1 hit while striking out 2. Craig Hansen threw 2 perfect innings. He now has thrown 9 1/3 innings without allowing an earned run. Lee Gronkiewicz threw a scoreless inning giving up 1 hit while fanning 2. Eric Hull earned the win pitching the final 2 innings. He allowed 1 hit and struck out 4. Jeff Natale went 3 for 5 and scored a run. George Kottaras went 2 for 5 with a home run and 2 RBI. Brandon Moss went 2 for 5 and scored a run. Bobby Kielty went 2 for 5 with 2 RBI.

Portland edged Connecticut 8-7 in a 17 inning marathon. Mike Bowden started and went 4 2/3 innings allowing 2 runs on 4 hits and 4 BB. He also had 4 Ks. Beau Vaughn threw 1 1/3 innings giving up 4 runs on 3 hits and 2 BB. Mike James threw 1 1/3 scoreless frames. He allowed 1 hit and 2 BB. Jose Vaquedano threw 2 2/3 innings allowing 1 run on 2 hits and a BB. He had 2 Ks. Miguel Asencio pitched 2 scoreless innings giving up 1 hit and 1 BB. He had 1 K. Daniel Haigwood threw 3 scoreless, hitless innings. He allowed 1 BB while fanning 4. Leftfielder Jay Johnson pitched the final 2 innings. He did not allow a run while giving up 2 hits and a BB. He had 3 Ks. Offensively, he went 3 for 6 with 3 BB, a run scored and 2 RBI including the game winning one in the bottom of the 17th. Aaron Bates went 3 for 8 and scored 2 runs. John Otness went 3 for 7 with 2 RBI.

Lancaster split a doubleheader with Modesto. The took the first contest 6-3. Jimmy James earned the win going 6 innings. He gave up 1 run on 5 hits. He had 4 Ks. TJ Large pitched the final frame and gave up 2 runs on 2 hits. He had 1 K. Jon Still went 2 for 2 with a home run and 3 RBI. Jorge Jimenez went 2 for 3 with a run scored and a RBI. The Jethawks fell 2-1 to Modesto in the second game. Chris Jones threw 4 innings giving up 1 run on 4 hits and a BB. He had 8 Ks. Tony Bajoczky threw 2 scoreless, hitless innings. He gave up a BB and had 3 Ks. Blake Maxwell took the loss going 1 inning. He gave up 1 run on 2 hits. Jorge Jimenez went 2 for 3 and scored a run.

Greensboro defeated Greenville 8-2. Nick Hagadone started and went 2 1/3 scoreless innings before leaving the game with tenderness in his forearm. He allowed 1 hit and 2 BB. He had 3 Ks. Eammon Portice took the loss allowing 7 runs on 6 hits and a BB in 3 1/3 innings. He had 4 Ks. Joseph Guerra went the final 3 1/3 innings allowing 1 run on 1 hit. He had a K. Mike Jones went 2 for 4.

Player of the Night: Jay Johnson who at the plate went 3 for 6 with 3 BB, a run scored and 2 RBI including the game winner in the bottom of the 17th. He also pitched 2 scoreless innings and earned the win.

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Player of the Week, April 7-13: Dusty Brown

Pawtucket C Dusty Brown finished off a torrid week at the plate to earn SoxProspects.com Player of the Week for April 7-13 as voted on by the community. Brown, 25, posted a .455/.533/.909 line while driving in 4 runs and scoring 3 of his own. A member of the Portland Sea Dogs last year, Brown finished off 2007 in the Arizona Fall League where he was named a 2007 Arizona Fall League Rising Star. He's known as an excellent defensive catcher with a very strong arm.

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Pitcher of the Week, April 7-13: Daniel Haigwood

In making one start and one relief appearance, Portland LHP Daniel Haigwood held opposing batters to three hits while striking out ten over seven scoreless innings to earn himself SoxProspects.com Pitcher of the Week honors for April 7-13 as voted on by the community. Haigwood, 24, was aquired from Texas in Aprill of 2007 for RHP Scott Shoemaker. After pitching in 17 games last season for the Sea Dogs, Haigwood pitched in the Arizona Fall League for Mesa making seven starts and logging twenty and one thirds innings.

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Thurston to be promoted; Cora to DL

Prior to this evening's game, Alex Cora will be placed on the 15-day DL with a sore right elbow. The move will be retroactive to April 10, the last time Cora saw game action. In his place, the Sox are anticipated to purchase the contract of Joe Thurston from Pawtucket. Thurston, 28, can fill in at 2B, SS, and OF adequately, and will add some speed and versatility off the bench. He was hitting .255 in 12 games at Pawtucket, after signing a minor league contract with the organization back in December.

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Bard extends scoreless streak to 9.2 innings

4/16 Cup of Coffee: Action on Tuesday saw Indianapolis blank Pawtucket 3-0. David Pauley started and took the loss going 6 innings. He allowed 1 run on 4 hits and a BB. He had 4 Ks. Jon Switzer went 1/3 of an inning giving up 2 runs on 2 hits. He had 1 K. Dan Kolb threw 1 2/3 scoreless frames allowing 2 hits. Joe Thurston, Dusty Brown, and George Kottaras accounted for all of the PawSox hits each going 1 for 4.

Portland edged Connecticut 3-2. Matt Goodson went 4 innings and allowed 1 run on 3 hits and 2 BB. He had 7 Ks. Kyle Jackson earned the win throwing 3 innings allowing 1 run on 1 hit and 2 BB. He had 1 K. Hunter Jones threw 2 scoreless innings giving up 4 hits while fanning 2. Mark Wagner went 2 for 3 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI.

The Lancaster- Modesto game was postponed.

Greenville blanked Greensboro 7-0. Chris Province threw 4 1/3 scoreless frames allowing 5 hits. He had 3 Ks. Dan Bard earned the win and extended his scoreless streak to 9 2/3 innings to start the season. He allowed 1 hit over the 2 2/3 innings and had 4 Ks. Felix Ventura went 2 scoreless frames giving up 1 hit while fanning 4. Aaron Reza went 2 for 4 and scored 2 runs. Josh Reddick went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a RBI. Mike Jones went 2 for 5 with a run scored and a RBI. Anthony Rizzo went 3 for 4 with a RBI. Ty Weeden went 2 for 4 with a home run.

Player of the Night: Dan Bard who has now thrown 9 2/3 scoreless innings to start the season. He also had 4 Ks in his 2 innings of work.

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