Notes: Atchison optioned back, Bowden called up

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By Maureen Mullen
CSNNE.comFollow @maureenamullen

BOSTONAfter pitching three innings Friday night against the As, in relief of Tim Wakefield, Scott Atchison returned to Triple-A Pawtucket this morning. Right-hander Michael Bowden was called up to take his place.

We spoke to Atch after the game Friday night and kind of told him, actually after I talked to the media, that we may make a move, manager Terry Francona said. We wanted to think about it. We wanted to see with weather, with travel . . . Triple A was in Scranton . . . just wanted to make sure we could make a move. So Michael landed five minutes ago and hes on his way and we optioned Atch back. Just trying to, again, if something happens, not ruin the bullpen.

Atchison will likely be a call-up when rosters expand on Sept. 1. Atchison is in his final season with options. He has already had five stints with the Sox this season, so he's used to getting the news. But its not always easy for the manager to deliver.

I know its tougher on him, but I dont enjoy it, Francona said. He comes up and sometimes his role, or if he stays on our team is determined by the way somebody else pitches or like he pitched so well last night but he pitched long so he can't come back and pitch today. So he has to go back. Yeah, its unfortunate. Guys get in that position sometimes. Next year that wont happen. That option will be (gone). Its happened with other players. You have to do it but its not fun. Dont take pleasure in it for sure.

Bowden has appeared in six games for the Sox this season, the most recent on June 22 against the Padres. He has allowed one earned run in seven innings for an ERA of 1.29. In 41 games with the PawSox this season, all in relief, he is 3-3 with a 2.73 ERA and 16 saves.

Francona has set his rotation for the three-game series against the Yankees, beginning Tuesday at Fenway Park. John Lackey will pitch Tuesday, followed by Josh Beckett, and Jon Lester.

Francona is unsure when Tim Wakefield, who took the loss Friday night, will start next.
We have the Yankees series planned out and then we need to see what were going to do, Francona said.

Hideki Matsui sent a present to the Sox clubhouse for Darnell McDonald: The bat he cracked grounding out, 1-4-3, in the ninth inning in McDonalds professional pitching debut Friday night. McDonald who was surprised that it was the actual bat from the play, smiled when it was pointed out to him. McDonald said he would keep it but hoped Matsui would add his nickname Godzilla to the Hideki Matsui, 55 already on the bat. Pointing to the scuff mark on the bat, McDonald said with a smile, See, I got inside on him.

J.D. Drew on the disabled list since July 20 with a left shoulder impingement, went 0-for-2 with a run scored, a walk, and was hit by a pitch serving as Single-A Lowells designated hitter in a rehab assignment Friday night. He was originally expected to play for the Spinners on Saturday. But he was in the Sox clubhouse Saturday morning and will not play today.

Bobby Jenks on the 15-day DL since July 8 with left back tightness, is expected to pitch in an inning for Single-A Salem on Saturday.

Third baseman Kevin Youkilis, on the DL since Aug. 18 with a low back strain, took infield this morning.

Clay Buchholz, on the DL since June 17 with a lower back strain, is expected to be reevaluated within the next few days. Francona said. He cannot throw until Thursday at the earliest.

Maureen Mullen is on Twitter at http:twitter.commaureenamullen.

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