As expected, reliever Mike Timlin was activated today from the disabled list. To make room for Timlin, lefty Javier Lopez was sent to Pawtucket. Meanwhile, the lineup is set for today's game.

Timlin, 41, strained an oblique muscle in spring training. He was considered ready for the majors after four appearances (two in extended spring training and two with Pawtucket) and a short session yesterday in Fenway. Manager Terry Francona said Timlin would be available today and may be that needed eighth-inning set-up guy.

Lopez is one of the few relievers who still had options to the minors. He appeared in four games, giving up two hits and no runs in four innings. "As we told Javier, this was a numbers thing and not because of the way he pitched," Francona said.

Here was a new sight in the Red Sox clubhouse: former Sea Dogs manager Todd Claus going over his Mariners scouting reports. Claus is in his new role as one of two advance scouts for Boston (more on Claus in Wednesday's Press Herald).

And now for today's lineup:
SEATTLE
Suzuki, cf
Beltre, 3b
Vidro, dh
Ibanez, lf
Sexson, 1b
Guillen, rf
Johjima, c
Betancourt, 22
Lopez, 2b
Weaver, p
BOSTON
Lugo, ss
Youkilis, 1b
Ortiz, dh
Ramirez, lf
Drew, rf
Lowell, 3b
Varitek, c
Crisp, cf
Pedroia, 2b
Beckett, p

E-mail this entry to a friend