Justin Masterson's replacement in the Boston Red Sox rotation (Clay Buchholz) goes today against the Orioles. Two things to look for: His command and the use of his fastball ... Buchholz has great secondary pitches and, at times, does not establish his fastball command (he's not the only one; re: Dice-K).

Meanwhile, Masterson made his first relief appearance for Pawtucket on Thursday night.

He pitched a perfect sixth. Masterson faced the top of the Norfolk lineup. He got one lefty (fly out) and two righties (ground out, strikeout). So far, so good.

Edgar Martinez (3.93) had a nice start in that game (5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K) ... Chris Smith closed and had a rough time. He blew the save (2 runs in the 9th) and got the loss (1 run in the 11th).

Portland was blown out 10-2. Reliever Daniel Bard got five outs (0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 K); 37 pitches, 22 strikes.

In advanced Class A Lancaster, outfielder Josh Reddick (.349) was at it again with a 4-for-4 night.

Reliever Bryan Price, the Red Sox sandwich round pick in last month's draft, had his second outing as a pro (both scoreless). He went 2 innings (1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K) ... 19-year-old outfielder Mitch Dening (.387) keeps hitting (2-for-4).

17-year-old third baseman Michael Almanzar (.359) is still putting up numbers in the Gulf Coast League (3-for-4).

I'll try to check back late this afternoon. Could be some Eastern League All-Star news. Expecting more Sea Dogs to be named to the team. We'll see.

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