The Red Sox are off today, having flown themselves and their lifeless bats to Baltimore (that Seattle pitching was supposed to be poor ... Erik Bedard picked a fine time to show his true form).

But the Red Sox are still busy today. That is, the medical team will be on the job, trying to figure out what is wrong (if anything) with Daisuke Matsuzaka's shoulder.

Meanwhile, former Sea Dogs ace Justin Masterson is being put in line for another major league start. Masterson had his Pawtucket debut pushed up two days, to today, so he can be ready Tuesday in Boston (in case Dice-K cannot pitch).

Knowing how careful the Red Sox treat these things. Even if Dice-K passes all the test, he would likely skip a start anyway. So Masterson may be making MLB start No. 3 on June 3.

Joe McDonald of the Providence Journal had an interesting theory on what the Sox might do if Dice-K is put on the DL.

In McDonald's blog, he speculates that first baseman/outfielder Jeff Bailey could be called up to Boston this weekend to replace Dice-K on the roster. Bailey, a strong right-handed bat, could help out with Kevin Youkilis hurting and the Red Sox facing left-handed pitchers Saturday and Sunday.

Bailey would then go back to Pawtucket on Tuesday to make room for Masterson. It sounds logical - IF Matsuzaka goes on the DL.

In Pawtucket on Wednesday, starter Devern Hansack recovered from a first-inning 3-run homer to have a decent outing (6 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 8 K) ... Dusty Brown homered in his third straight game ... Brandon Moss went 2-for-4 ... reliever Chris Smith had a rare off night (1/3 IP 3 H 1 R 0 BB 1 K), but his ERA still is low (1.62).

The Sea Dogs won with a stellar emergency start by Daniel Haigwood.

In Lancaster, Major League/Triple A outfielder Bobby Kielty showed signs of recovering from hand surgery. In his first game back, he went 1-for-2 with a double and three walks. Kielty will return to Pawtucket soon, which will likely cause a ripple effect in Portland.

In other Lancaster outfield news, Josh Reddick (.331) went 2-for-5 Wednesday, Jason Place (.209) went 3-for-6 as he continues to search for a successful stroke, and Reid Engel (.267) was 0-for-5, having cooled after a hot start ... third baseman Jorge Jimenez (.357) remains hot and went 3-for-4.

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