Red Sox - Inside Pitch

Tim Wakefield hadn’t been much more than a six-inning pitcher over the last two seasons, but the venerable knuckleballer gave the Sox pitching staff exactly what they needed on Sunday afternoon: innings and a victory.

The 41-year-old hung in long enough to register his second win of the 2008 season, and was able to give a much-needed blow to a bullpen that’s logged far too many innings already this season. Wakefield pitched eight full innings only twice in 31 starts last season, but he accomplished that goal in only his fourth start of the season against the Texas Rangers.

“That’s more strikes than I’ve ever seen him throw,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “He was throwing strike, after strike, after strike and the ball had movement. That’s a good formula.”

In another departure from last season, Wakefield registered a decision in each of his 26 starts in 2007 but has only a single victory out of his first four starts this season.

Wakefield did become the oldest Red Sox right-hander—at 41 years, 262 days old—to start and win a game at Fenway since former pitcher Tom Seaver notched a victory for the Sox on July 6, 1986 at 41 years, 292 days old.

“I tried to plug along and keep in the game as long as possible, and it ended up working out,” said Wakefield.

Red Sox 6, Rangers 5: The Red Sox posted their eighth come-from-behind win of the season Sunday with a four-run outburst in the bottom of the eighth inning keyed by Dustin Pedroia’s game-tying, two-out, pinch-hit double. Tim Wakefield surrendered five runs, but hung in for eight full innings and secured his second victory of the season.

Notes, Quotes

• 3B Mike Lowell took 35 swings off a hitting tee on Saturday and reported that his sprained left thumb felt better than anticipated. Red Sox officials are hoping that Lowell could be ready to begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment within a week, and start himself on the road to a Red Sox return. 3B Kevin Youkilis and SS Jed Lowrie have both filled in admirably at the hot corner in Lowell’s absence.

• LHP Javy Lopez has limited left-handed batters to a microscopic .083 batting average (1-for-12) out of the bullpen this season, and has been very effective in the left-handed situational role. Lopez struggled to get lefties out last season and—in a bizarre twist of baseball fate—was actually more effective against right-handed hitters, but the 30-year-old southpaw has reverted back to form thus far this season.

• OF Manny Ramirez hasn’t had a game off thus far this season, but hasn’t shown much fatigue when it comes to collecting the decisive hit in Boston’s ballgames. Ramirez leads the majors in both go-ahead RBI (nine) and game-winning RBIs (six) this season. Despite the continued sizzle in Ramirez’s bat, Red Sox manager Terry Francona hinted that his slugger might be ready for a day off on Monday despite a second-inning ejection on Sunday.

• RHP Bartolo Colon had a “moderate” short toss session last weekend and is scheduled for his throwing program to begin on Tuesday. Sox manager Terry Francona admitted that Colon’s soreness issues in his right oblique muscle have basically ruled out a call-up before May 1, but the Sox don’t expect the 34-year-old to use the opt-out option in his minor league deal.

• 1B Sean Casey has been a revelation at first base while Red Sox manager Terry Francona has been forced to juggle the lineup after 3B Mike Lowell was disabled with a sprained left thumb. Casey has started 10 of the last 11 games at first base and has hit .368 during that span while spraying line drives all over the field. Casey was brought in ostensibly to give Francona a good option at first base when 1B Kevin Youkilis needed a rest, but he’s also acted as an excellent insurance policy in case of a corner infield injury.

By The Numbers: 9-1—The record of the Red Sox in games when OF Jacoby Ellsbury has scored at least one run this season.

Quote To Note: “That little second baseman is a little aggressive guy, so to walk him you really have to throw bad. He’s a little guy that will tear you up if you throw something to him in the wrong place.”—Texas Rangers Manager Ron Washington talking about 2B Dustin Pedroia.

Roster Report

Medical Watch:

INF Alex Cora (sore right elbow) hasn’t played since April 9, and he was placed on the disabled list on April 16.

3B Mike Lowell (sore left thumb) went on the 15-day disabled list April 10. He did take swings off a hitting tee on April 19 and was expected to begin a rehab assignment the week of April 21-27.

RHP Curt Schilling (right shoulder) began experiencing discomfort during the offseason and has been out all spring. Schilling was placed on the 60-day disabled list as he undergoes a muscle-strengthening program. Schilling is expected to be out until at least the All-Star break, and his legendary career might be over.