The speculation out of Boston is that Kason Gabbard will make the Friday start for the Boston Red Sox. He would be going on only three days' rest, but was limited to five innings in a Pawtucket start Monday.

Gabbard is a lefty and most of the Atlanta Braves' top hitters are right-handers. But Gabbard, with an improving cut fastball, is tough on right-handed batters (.214 average against him).

The other interesting development out of Boston is the reported decision to move Tim Wakefield's next start to Monday. That makes Sunday starter TBA. Either the Red Sox think Josh Beckett will be ready by Sunday, or another pitcher will be moved up (David Pauley? Devern Hansack? How about Charlie Zink?).

Last report out Altoona is that Clay Buchholz has five strikeouts in five innings, along with three walks. Portland is trailing 1-0.

In Class A Lancaster last night, Bubba Bell hit his 12th home run, and Justin Masterson (second-round pick last year) had his best start of the year, allowing four hits and two runs over six innings.

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