Brandon Moss got a chuckle when told the baseball gods were watching him Tuesday night.

Moss entered Tuesday's game when J.D. Drew felt tightness in his quadriceps muscle.

Moss batted twice, The first time, Moss singled on a dribbler that rolled about 12 feet from the plate. The second time, Moss hit the ball as hard as anyone hit it Tuesday night, but the line drive snapped right into the glove of first baseman Lyle Overbay.

The baseball gods equal things outs. "Almost," Moss said with his trademark smile. He remembers more hits taken away than the dribblers.

Moss may be in for some playing time. Jacoby Ellsbury sat out Tuesday's game with a sore groin, and no telling how serious Drew's pain is.

When Mike Lowell came back from the DL, it was speculated in Boston reports that Moss would be sent down. Instead, relief pitcher Bryan Corey was again designated for assignment.

But general manager Theo Epstein opted to keep Moss, a back-up first baseman and an extra outfielder.

"Theo always says he's smarter than me," manager Terry Francona quipped. "It's a good thing (Moss) was here."

As for the minors, Triple-A reliever Craig Hansen was finally nicked for some runs. He allowed three in 1 1/3 innings (2 H, 1 BB, 1 HB, 1 K). Hansen left after giving up one run, leaving two runners on. They both scored on a triple against reliever Licoln Holdzkom.

In Double-A, Portland outfielder Jeff Corsaletti said he's been seeing the ball real well since arriving from extended spring training. Guess so. He went 4-for-4 with a double and triple on Tuesday, and is batting .419.

In advanced Class A Lincoln, outfielder Josh Reddick is adjusting to his promotion - now batting .360 after a 2-for-4 night.

Lower Class A Greenville has two of Boston's top relief prospects. We've already reported how Daniel bard is dominating there ... Bryce Cox is also getting into form. He got his first save Tuesday (2 IP, 1 H, 1 K).

One more note from Greenville. Mike Jones is not going away. The little-known first baseman went 2-for-4 Tuesday, upping his average to .422.

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