Some thoughts while we wait on the status of Curt Schilling's shoulder. He underwent an MRI yesterday in Boston (the Boston Herald reported that the test reported no damage).

It seems obvious that the Red Sox need to shut Schilling down, at least for a start. Boston has several options to replace Schilling, who is scheduled to start Sunday.

Because Thursday is an off day, the rotation could be pushed up and Josh Beckett could pitch Sunday.

Then there are the Triple-A options: Devern Hansack (pitched Monday), Jon Lester (scheduled to pitch today) or Kason Gabbard (scheduled for tomorrow).

Don't suppose they would consider Charlie Zink. No, they wouldn't. But, and I've said this before, Zink is the wild card among the Sox pitching prospects. His knuckleball is showing more consistency. He should be in Triple-A, except that there is no room.

The California League all-stars played last night. Two Red Sox minor leaguers shined: middle infielder Tony Grandillo (2-3, 2 RBI) and outfielder Bubba Bell (3-5, 2 RBI). They could be call-ups to Portland this year (although first baseman Aaron Bates is the leading candidate for a promotion).

Just one note from the Braves game last night: Andruw Jones is now hitting .202. I remember when Red Sox fans were salivating for a deal for him.

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