David

Pauley

Pauley pitched an excellent ballgame, but Red Sox manager Terry Francona decided to let him lose it. With the score 1-1 and two outs in the seventh, Pauley gave up an infield single on a ball he should have made a play on. A legit single from Johnny Damon followed, which obviously should have meant the end of the night for Pauley. If anyone except Francona was managing. Only after walking Melky Cabrera on four pitches was Pauley removed. That forced Rudy Seanez to enter with the bases loaded and the AL’s most patient hitter, Jason Giambi, at the plate. A walk followed, and the Yankees won 2-1.

Once Mike Timlin returns from the disabled list Pauley may head back to Triple-A, so it likely all depends on Timlin’s recovery.

As hard as several of the outs were hit, it’s amazing Pauley lasted as long as he did. The 22-yearold belongs back in the minors, and it’s likely that the Red Sox will send him down to make room for Mike Timlin on Tursday.

Boston keeps Jon Lester in the rotation for now, replacing him at Pawtucket with Pauley. Mike Timlin is expected back from the disabled list tomorrow, which should give the pitching staff a little more support.

At least that’s a step up from where he was before he was promoted to the majors two weeks ago. It would be for the best if Pauley isn’t needed again before September. Mike Timlin will come off the DL on Tuesday to replace him on the roster.

Either Wells (knee) or Matt Clement (ankle) could be placed on the DL to make room for him. The alternative would be to send down Jermaine Van Buren. Pauley, who was acquired from the Padres in the Dave Roberts trade, has a 2.39 ERA in 10 starts for Portland.

Pauley, who had a 2.39 ERA in 10 starts for Portland, will make his major league debut tonight against the Blue Jays. He may get one additional start before David Wells returns, but he’s not a very good choice in AL-only leagues.

Pauley walked three and threw just 56-of-101 pitches for strikes. He also struck out three and only two of the 11 hits went for extra bases, but it was still a poor outing for the right-hander. Pauley may get one more start before David Wells returns, but he’s not going to be worth using in any format.

It could be an even shorter one. If the Red Sox need to replace David Wells beyond next Tuesday, Jon Lester might get a chance. Boston wasn’t going to call him up to face the Yankees in Yankee Stadium.

Pauley posted an ugly 5.95 ERA over 19 2/3 innings after being acquired from the Mariners last July in the Doug Fister deal and allowed five runs and eight hits over 2 2/3 innings this spring. He could benefit by getting a fresh start elsewhere.