TORONTO -- When the Pawtucket Red Sox finish their season for good Tuesday in Durham, N.C., the Red Sox will add a couple of more players to their major league roster.
And from the sounds of it, Bobby Valentine can't wait.
When asked if there was an area or two that could use some addition depth, Valentine reacted incredulously.
"You kidding? This is the weakest roster we've ever had in September in the history of baseball,'' said Valentine. "We could use help everywhere. We have four outfielders. In September. We have four infielders in September. Of course.''
Actually, the Sox had six infielders -- not counting Dustin Pedroia, who is on paternity leave -- available for Friday night and five outfielders.
It's expected that outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin and reliever Alex Wilson will be added after Tuesday.
Pawtucket manager Arnie Beyeler and pitching coach Rich Sauveur will also join the club when the Pawtucket season ends.
Boston Red Sox
Pitcher John Lackey, who threw a batting practice session earlier this week, will throw off flat ground this weekend and may throw another BP session when the team goes to Tampa for a four-game series early next week.
There's also talk that Lackey could get into a game in an Instructional League setting in Fort Myers.
"I think it would be good for him,'' said Valentine. "That's what his plan has been all summer. I don't want to speak for him, but it seems like accomplishing something you set out to do would be pretty important for an athlete.''
Valentine said Pedroia, who is on paternity leave after the birth of his son the other night, will join the Sox "eventually... in Toronto. He said he'll see us in Toronto.''
Valentine doubted that Pedroia would make it from Boston here in time to be available for Friday night's game.