01:00 AM EDT on Wednesday, June 1, 2005

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

PAWTUCKET -- Adam Stern's fate with the Boston Red Sox organization would have been determined on Saturday, but an injury last night changed that.

Saturday would have completed Stern's major-league rehabilitation stint with the Pawtucket Red Sox, but the clocked stopped last night after he strained his hamstring while stealing a base in the bottom of the fourth inning. It's likely he could miss seven to 10 days.

Stern missed most of spring training because of a broken thumb.

The rules for rehab stints changed this year. Now, if a player doesn't break camp with the big club and remains in extended spring training, once he leaves his 10-day rehab stint begins. In the past, it had been 20 days. Eventually the Sox will have to make a decision on what to do with him.

Stern has to join the 25-man roster or the Atlanta Braves get him back if he clears waivers. Atlanta's Triple-A affiliate, Richmond, will be in town this weekend, so it's possible he could be changing clubhouses.

Stern has impressed Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson for the short time he's been with the club.

"He's very impressive," said Johnson. "You can tell he's going to be a fine young player. He has a lot of athleticism and a lot of tools. He's a plus-runner and shows a quick bat. I can definitely see why he's a Rule V guy and we took a chance."

The 25-year-old London, Ontario, native was chosen by the Braves in the third round of the First-Year Player draft in 2001 and had not played above Double A until now. After breaking his thumb during spring training and recuperating in extended spring work, he feels he's ready to go.

"It's good to be playing again," said Stern. "I sat out the first two months of the season, which was frustrating. I'm excited to get out and play some baseball that means something, instead of the extended spring training games. This is a great place. The fans are really good and everything here is top-notch. I was pumped to come here. Hopefully, things work out for the best because (Boston) is a great organization to be with."

Daubach returns

Former PawSox and Red Sox slugger Brian Daubach returned to McCoy Stadium on Monday as a member of the Norfolk Tides but did not play because he was ill. A fan favorite, he was back in the lineup last night and received a nice ovation in his first plate appearance.

"It's worked out well," said Daubach of his decision to sign with the New York Mets organization. "It was tough going to spring training because I didn't go to major-league camp, and that was a first. I waited too long to sign in the winter. I had a lot of offers at the end of last season, but I waited too long and ended up coming here. This is a good situation."

Wooten's back

PawSox catcher Shawn Wooten cleared waivers and rejoined the club after he was designated for assignment by Boston on May 27. He was called up to the Red Sox on May 20 after Doug Mirabelli was placed on the 15-day disabled list. Wooten appeared in one game for Boston, against Toronto, and went 0-for-1. He was sent back to Triple A after Kelly Shoppach was called up last Friday.

Figueroa inactive

PawSox infielder Luis Figueroa was placed on the temporary inactive list yesterday. He returned to his native Puerto Rico for personal reasons. According to Johnson, Figueroa will rejoin the club on Friday. In 36 games, he's batting .236 with one homer and 13 RBI.

Stachowsky demoted

Mitchel Stachowsky will return to Class-A Greenville today. He was recalled by Pawtucket on May 21 after Wooten was called up to Boston. Stachowsky was 0-for-4 in four games for the PawSox.