Early notes

NEW YORK -- A few quick nuggets from Yankee Stadium ...

• Reliever Chris Smith was sent to Pawtucket to make a spot for tonight's starter, Tim Wakefield, to come off the disabled list.
• Outfielder Joe Thurston (.314 10 homers, 62 RBIs with Triple A Pawtucket this season) is here but has not been activated. He likely would get added to the roster if the Red Sox put J.D. Drew (missed the last six games with a back injury) on the DL. A decision has not yet been made on Drew, who went to a spine specialist this morning in New York.
• First baseman Sean Casey is actually able to play tonight, saying his stiff neck is better. However, Jeff Bailey will get the start at first base.