Bruce

Chen

The more likely scenario is that the Red Sox start Tim Wakefield Monday on four days rest. Chen would then be on notice for Tuesday’s game if Pedro Martinez is unable to go.

It is believed that this move was salary driven. Chen was due to make $700,000 this year, and that’s more than the Reds, or apparently any other team, wanted to pay. Chen was decent as a reliever last year and looked very good in his most recent spring appearance, striking out four in two scoreless innings. He can opt for free agency and it would be best if he did so, though the move might cost him some money in the short term.

Chen should benefit from starting games at Pawtucket. He’ll likely rejoin the Red Sox at some point.

Chen will get an opportunity to be the second lefty in the team’s pen. If he makes the team, he’ll get a one-year, $550,000 contract.

Houston’s pitching staff is just about set. Roy Oswalt, Wade Miller, Brian Moehler, Tim Redding and Jeriome Robertson will make up the rotation. The bullpen will include Billy Wagner, Octavio Dotel, Chen, Ricky Stone, Brad Lidge and Peter Munro. Brandon Puffer still could make the team if the Astros keep a 12th pitcher.

Chen didn’t allow a run until Mark Teixeira and Hank Blalock delivered solo shots in the sixth inning. If he can avoid making any additional appearances out of the pen, he’ll face Tampa Bay next week.

Eduardo Perez’s fifth-inning homer gave the Rays their only runs. Chen threw just 77 pitches, 59 of them strikes.

It appeared as if Chen’s luck may have run out when he posted a 6.75 ERA and a 1.81 WHIP in July, but he’s allowed five runs in 19 2/3 innings this month. He’ll pitch at Cleveland on Sunday.

That’s not good enough to disuade the Orioles from sending Chen back to the bullpen at a moment’s notice. Hayden Penn or Daniel Cabrera will take Chen’s spot as soon as the club wants to promote either pitcher.

That matchup has all the makings of a blood bath, so you’ll want to stay as far away from Chen as possible in every league.