Papelbon to the Pen

The Red Sox returned Jon Papelbon to Pawtucket yesterday, with plans to use him in relief for the rest of this season. Despite the troubles that they've experienced with the bullpen this season, the Sox did not make a deadline trade for a reliever. Encouraged by Papelbon's strong start on Sunday, the hope now is that he will become acclimated in Pawtucket, then come help the big league team for the stretch run. Papelbon has pitched 115 inning this season, and the Sox were looking at limiting his innings the rest of the way regardless. If it works out, this is a great development for all involved: the Sox would be able to improve the big league squad without losing any prospects (or taking on big contracts), Papelbon gets to prove himself at the major league level, and Sox fans get to see another "home grown" player playing in Boston.

Meanwhile, there was more good news for fans of home grown players. Recently not-traded Anibal Sanchez allowed just three hits and struck out seven in seven innings pitched to lead the Sea Dogs to a 2-0 victory over New Britain. Sanchez, who was promoted when Papelbon went up to AAA, now has an 0.98 ERA in 27.2 innings for Portland, with a 32/6 K/BB ratio. He was, of course, mentioned as a prospect who might be dealt during the big Manny Ramirez soap opera.