Bronson

Arroyo

Boston’s next series is in Tampa Bay scheduled to start Monday night, but Hurricane Jeanne will have an effect on the Sox’s travel plans. As the Hurricane is expected to do most of its’ damage today, the series against Tampa should not be delayed, but one never knows given the weather in Florida this season.

Manager Grady Little said it’s too early to name Arroyo a member of the 2004 starting rotation, but he couldn’t be more impressed by what he’s seen. ''Everything he does impresses me,’' Little said. ''He’s not afraid to throw strikes, he’s quick to the plate and he’s got a good slider. Fundamentally, he’s as sound as anyone we’ve got.’' Expect Arroyo to get a fair shot to start in 2004.

Don’t expect one of the above to suddenly become the official closer going into the playoffs, but it appears the Sox are back to a situational relief system -- sort of how they began the year.

He has pitched well as a starter and returns to the bullpen only because of Byung-Hyun Kim’s fine performance last week. Boston manager Terry Francona will use Arroyo in long relief, but is not reluctant to pitch him in the ninth inning as well. Hold onto Arroyo, as his has a fine arm, and will likely get another shot at a rotation spot once a Red Sox starter gets injured.

Arroyo would have been called up earlier this season were he not out of options. The Sox didn’t want to risk losing the 26-year-old on waivers if they needed to return him to the minors. GM Theo Epstein says Arroyo could have a role with the team in 2004.

Arroyo allowed four hits. He’s pitching very well for Pawtucket right now, and might be a better fifth starter than Jeff Suppan, who has an 8.82 ERA in three starts since being traded to Boston. Don’t expect any switches in the Red Sox rotation, though.

Arroyo will likely miss his start during the period of June 8-13th in order to be ready for his brief relief stint at hitter-friendly Coors Field.

Some of the bad defense was his own, as he threw a double-play ball into left field during a four-run first inning. Boston’s eight-game winning streak was snapped tonight.

Arroyo has owned the Rangers in his career posting a 2-0 record with a 1.71 ERA. Right-handers are hitting just .214 off him.

He was better than the line indicates. After a long bottom of the seventh, Arroyo allowed three straight to reach to start the eighth. One run scored before he left and the two baserunners came around off Mike Myers and Chad Bradford.