Alan

Embree

The other lefty in the bullpen, Casey Fossum, will be used in long relief and as a spot starter.

The move may actually have already been made, though GM Theo Epstein denies it. But Kevin Tolar has been summoned from Pawtucket and will arrive in time for today’s doubleheader. The team believes Embree’s problem is minor, which would indicate a return after two weeks. It’s more of a chance for Embree to rest and see if he can regain some of his lost velocity which has led to his 12.27 ERA. Chad Fox becomes the defacto closer with Embree out, but Brandon Lyon could see some opportunities.

Embree is likely to begin a rehab assignment next week. How well he performs in the minors will determine when he is activated.

''[Embree] was very impressive in his side session [Sunday], better than I’ve seen him all spring, to tell you the truth,’' manager Grady Little said. If Embree’s velocity is back to normal levels, he could re-enter the saves picture, but it’s not likely that he’s going to be ''the guy.’'

Embree’s fastball was clocked at 95 mph during the game. The left-hander will be activated from the DL on Tuesday.

The injury is not serious enough to make Embree a candidate for the disabled list, however it may limit Boston’s use of the lefthander over the next week or so.

''I don’t know about why they left the lefthander in,’' Steinbrenner said, ''He had a good inning and they kept him in there. He should never have pitched to Konerko - he’s their best hitter.’'

Embree’s absence makes Boston’s other candidates to close a little more valuable. The Red Sox hope to have the left-hander back as soon as his two weeks are up.

The left-hander was designated for assignment over the weekend so that the Red Sox could add starter Daisuke Matsuzaka to the 25-man roster. Embree, 40, had a 3.68 ERA in eight appearances at Triple-A.

Well, that didn’t take long. Embree, 40, was designated for assignment on May 1 by the Red Sox and elected to become a free agent on May 5. He’ll try to work on some things at Triple-A Charlotte and could join the White Sox in a few weeks if everything goes well down on the farm.