Was all set to see catcher Dusty Brown make his debut in a major league uniform, and witness another successful journey for a former Portland Sea Dogs player.

But, alas, Brown was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket this morning (Brown is still in Japan, but is now not eligible).

As expected, the Red Sox put Kevin Cash on the major league roster, and decided that three catchers were too many.

Boston did keep Sean Casey on the roster, so they must be expecting his sore neck to improve soon.

As expected, pitcher Josh Beckett was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 19, with a lower back strain.

The moves of Brown, Cash and Beckett put the Red Sox’ major league roster at 27 players (remember that Bobby Kielty and Jed Lowrie are on minor league contracts).

Of the 27, 25 will be active for the two games in Japan.

The two inactive players are starter Tim Wakefield and reliever Mike Timlin, who has a cut on his right ring finger.

Here is the Red Sox 2008 opening day roster:

PITCHERS (11): David Aardsma, Clay Buchholz, Bryan Corey, Manny Delcarmen, Jon Lester, Javier Lopez, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Hideki Okajima, Jonathan Papelbon, Kyle Snyder, Julian Tavarez.

CATCHERS (2): Kevin Cash, Jason Varitek.

INFIELDERS (7): Sean Casey, Alex Cora, Mike Lowell, Julio Lugo, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis.

OUTFIELDERS (5): Coco Crisp, J.D. Drew, Jacoby Ellsbury, Brandon Moss, Manny Ramirez.

Enjoy the game.

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