Mark

Bellhorn

Bellhorn appeared as a pinch-hitter and flied out to deep center. The Cubs will give him some time to get it going.

He now has 163 passing Mickey Tettleton’s 1990 mark of 161. Bellhorn also set a team record for whiffs passing Butch Hobson’s 1977 record. Fear not--it seems that Rob Deer’s 1987 AL record of 186 is safe. Even Bellhorn will have a tough time striking out 23 more times in just 10 more games.

Bellhorn, who seems to be completely recovered from a fractured thumb, will be Boston’s second baseman in most games from here on in. Pokey Reese will get only the occaisonal start at second once he returns to action next Monday.

Bellhorn could come off the DL and start at second base on Friday.

Look for the Cubs to continue exploring trade possibilities. There’s nothing imminent, but Florida’s Mike Lowell and Boston’s Shea Hillenbrand will be the names to watch as June approaches. Even Dave Kelton, hitting .324 at Triple-A Iowa, would be a better option than this 3-headed monster if the Cubs refuse to give Bellhorn a real shot to turn it around.

Bellhorn is day-to-day.

Bellhorn has missed two games with a sore elbow.

Bellhorn got yesterday off with a bruised elbow. The Sox plan to use him at second with Cesar Crespo at shortstop, giving Pokey Reese the day off.

''Bellhorn has played second, third, shortstop and some outfield,’' manager Clint Hurdle said. ''Maybe we can get him going.’' Bellhorn took Chris Stynes’ job last season in Chicago, but Stynes is expected to remain the third baseman with the Rockies.

Francona is going to have to be creative to get Mueller, Bellhorn, Pokey Reese and Nomar Garciaparra into the lineup on a semi-regular basis. If the slumping Kevin Millar gets hot, Bellhorn or Reese may have trouble getting into the lineup.