It is another success story for the Red Sox player development crew. Left-hander Hunter Jones was called up from Pawtucket, replacing Daisuke Matsuzaka on the active roster (Jones actually replaces Justin Masterson in the bullpen. Masterson replaces Dice-K in the rotation).

Jones, 25, was a castoff from Florida State who looked to have no future after fracturing his left arm. But Jones, who still has screws in his arm, pitched a little in the Cape Cod League in 2005. Red Sox scouts saw enough to sign him that July.

Jones had a 1.19 ERA in 13 games with Portland last year before being promoted to Pawtucket. He was added to the 40-man roster in the off season.

A Boston Globe story today said Jones was only a temporary replacement and another pitcher would likely be called up while Matsizaka is on the DL.

But who? With Clay Buccholz out briekly with a tweaked hamstring, the choices seem to be Michael Bowden (who started Wednesday) or reliever Daniel Bard.

Bard, who is not yet on the 40-man roster, has been brilliant in Pawtucket, in 3 outings. He threw two more shutout innings Wednesday night, although his perfect string was snapped with two walks.

In six innings, Bard has faced 20 batters. No hits. 2 walks. 9 strikeouts.

But Hunter could stay. The Red Sox put him on the 40-man roster for a reason. Maybe it's time to see what he's got.

Hopefully, Hunter will get some rest today. According to the Globe, Hunter flew cross country Wednesday, only to arrive late because of travel delays. He got to Oakland in time to say hello and then board the Red Sox plan back to Boston.

The Red Sox bullpen was not needed Wednesday as Tim Wakefield pitched a masterpiece. Every time Wakefield is written off, he comes back with such an effort.

And Wakefield's catcher, George Kottaras, went 1-for-3 with a double and a walk. He's hitting .333 and it may be time to give him some more starts besides Wakefield's - maybe Sunday or Monday.

Elsewhere in the minors, Portland outfielder Josh Reddick (2-for-4) continues to hit. He is batting .400.

In Salem, some prospects where swinging the bat. Outfielder Ryan Kalish (.350) went 2-for-3 with a homer; catcher Luis Exposito (.316) went 2-for-5), and outfielder Jacon Place (.250) doubled his hit production, going 3-for-5.

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