On Tuesday, Boston pitcher Jonathan Papelbon approached Red Sox manager Terry Francona and said he has not been able to sleep at nights. He did not want to be a starter. "I want the ball in the ninth inning," Papelbon said. The manager smiled.

"We were on the same page," Francona said this afternoon when he announced that Papelbon would return to his role as closer for the Red Sox. Francona said he has been thinking about the move all spring and received clearance from the front office and medical staff.

Papelbon: I want to be for the Red Sox what Rivera has been for the Yankees.

Julian Tavarez will become Boston's fifth starter.

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