Catcher Kelly Shoppach and reliever Manny Delcarmen are promoted to the parent Red Sox after their outstanding seasons at Pawtucket.

01:00 AM EDT on Tuesday, September 6, 2005

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

PAWTUCKET -- PawSox catcher Kelly Shoppach was back in the lineup yesterday after missing five games because of an ankle injury suffered in a collision last Tuesday in Ottawa.

Despite it being the last game of the season for Pawtucket, it was critical for Shoppach to prove he was healthy enough for a call-up to Boston. He caught five innings and went 0-for-1 with a walk and strikeout and showed no ill effects from the injury while running the bases. As a result, he was told after the game that he will join pitcher Manny Delcarmen as the final call-ups to Boston.

"I felt pretty good," Shoppach said. "I was a little tired because I haven't played in five days. I just wanted to make sure I was functional, so if I was called upon I would be ready to play. I felt pretty good and everything went smoothly.

"At this point, it's a relief that it finally came," he added. "I was able to get back out there and play. But, it's always nice when someone else thinks you're good. That means something, regardless of where you may be. [Getting the call to the big leagues] is always exciting. The first time was exciting and I'm sure this time will be the same."

Shoppach made his major-league debut on May 28 at Yankee Stadium when Red Sox catcher Doug Mirabelli was on the disabled list. Before Shoppach was optioned back to Pawtucket on June 12, he went 0-for-11 with six strikeouts for the Red Sox. This time around he will serve as the third catcher behind Jason Varitek and Mirabelli.

Shoppach, Boston's second-round selection (48th overall), was almost dealt to the Colorado Rockies, along with pitcher Abe Alvarez, at the Major League Baseball trade deadline on July 31. However, the deal fell through..

The Red Sox did not call up a third catcher last September, so getting the promotion this season was gratifying for Shoppach.

"You are a part of the team," he said. "If you get an opportunity to play, you take advantage of that and hopefully help them win games. They are in a pennant race, and if I'm called upon to help them, that's what I'll try to do."

Any player who saw action for the Sox last season earned a World Series ring, but Shoppach was not one of them. This could be his year.

"I'm just worried walking in the front door first," he said. "It's the same at every level, everybody is trying to win."

Delcarmen agreed.

"I'm glad they are giving me another shot to go back up there," he said. "I can get some more work in and I'm excited to go back. This time will be a little different for me, because I've been up there twice and there's less pressure. Hopefully everything goes good."