Despite the thinking that the improving Clay Buchholz would be brought up to the majors to face the Yankees today, the Red Sox have stuck to their plan of keeping Justin Masterson in the rotation.

Masterson's command has not been stellar the last two games (9 walks) and lefties pound him. But the kid is poised, so we'll see what happens today.

As for the Yankees, things do not look good.

It did not take long for a New York newspaper to state that Joe Girardi is no Joe Torre.

In the minors, Pawtucket's Devern Hansack saw his 25-inning scoreless streak end. He went five innings Friday (7H, 3 R, 3 BB, 6 K) ... Chris Smith, just back from the majors, got his ninth save (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K), and his ERA sits at 1.49.

Portland ace Michael Bowden threw 75 percent strikes (48 of 64) in a five-inning, two-hit scoreless performance Friday. Bowden's workload in the coming week or two will be reduced.

In Lancaster, first baseman Lars Anderson (.315) went 2-for-4 ... Outfielder Daniel Nava (.347) was 3-for-4. Nava, 25, was signed from the independent leagues, so it's unclear whether he's filling a roster spot, or will ork his way to Portland.

Greenville outfielder Jered Stanley (.383) went 2-for-3. Bound for Lancaster?

In Lowell, third-round draft pick Kyle Weiland pitched 2 scoreless inning (3H, 3 K) and lowered his ERA to 0.61.

I'll check in later from Hadlock.

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