Here in Pawtucket, Jed Lowrie walked through the clubhouse doors, returning from his impressive stint with the Boston Red Sox.

Craig Hansen won't be joining Lowrie, however.

It was figured that Hansen would be sent back down to Pawtucket once the Red Sox activated Sean Casey from the DL today.

Instead, the Red Sox designated veteran reliever Julian Tavarez for assignment.

The Red Sox had an extra pitcher, and Hansen is the only pitcher with options to go back to the majors. But the Red Sox like how Hansen has turned his short career around. In recent games, he's been warming up for possible action in later innings.

Meanwhile, Tavarez (6.39 ERA) has only been used in long relief.

Speaking of long relief, that role may go to Manny Delcarmen. Before 2005, Delcarmen was a starter. He has struggled lately, so maybe a stint as the long reliever may help.

Back in Pawtucket, Lowrie is in the lineup at shortstop. As for his major league time, Lowrie said, "it was good to go up and see what it's all about."

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