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Papelbon and Bard will rest today

Print | Comments () Posted by Peter Abraham, Globe Staff July 28, 2010 01:33 PM

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Terry Francona said the Sox would not use Daniel Bard or Jonathan Papelbon today.

Bard has pitched six of the last nine days, throwing 80 pitches. Papelbon has pitched four of the last six days, throwing 82 pitches.

Being a manager means making difficult decisions and Francona used his two best relievers to secure the win last night knowing that would make them unavailable today.

That leaves a bullpen of Scott Atchison, Manny Delcarmen, Ramon Ramirez and Hideki Okajima — and ostensibly Tim Wakefield.

So the Sox will need the nine innings from Josh Beckett or 15 runs. Just kidding. Or maybe not.

In other news:

* J.D. Drew could get an MRI today, perhaps even during the game, so the Sox can get an idea of what they're dealing with in terms of his left hamstring. Dr. Lewis Yocum is handling the arrangements.

* Victor Martinez told Francona after the game last night that he felt great and wanted to play today. With the day off tomorrow, the manager agreed. With Drew out, they needed the bat.

* Nothing new on Mike Lowell or Jacoby Ellsbury.

* Neither team is taking BP today.