PAWTUCKET -- At this time last season, Willie Harris was playing for the Charlotte Knights, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. In fact, he split the season between Charlotte and Chicago and has a 2005 World Series ring for his efforts.

He signed with Boston as a minor-league free agent last winter, and this summer is almost identical to last year. More importantly, Harris is hoping the end result is the same, too.

"A couple of scenarios are happening this year that happened last year," he said. "I don't want to [jinx] it, but there are hints."

The Red Sox designated Harris for assignment on July 18, and he cleared waivers and accepted his assignment to the minors. He feels Boston has been up front with him and also knows there's a very good chance he'll be back with the Red Sox before the end of the season. In the meantime, he'll get plenty of playing time here.

"This is a chance to get back up there and help the team win," he said. "I'm happy to be here and playing every day, and this is a great group of guys. I've always been a happy-go-lucky guy, and just knowing you're going to have an opportunity to play is very important."

Harris, 28, began the season in Pawtucket but was called up to Boston when Adam Stern completed his Rule V obligations for the Red Sox and was sent to the PawSox. In 47 games for Boston, Harris hit .156 with one RBI and six stolen bases.

"He's been great," said PawSox manager Ron Johnson. "He just wants to go out there and play. He raises the energy around the clubhouse very high. He makes the atmosphere very interesting."

Foulke slated today

Red Sox reliever Keith Foulke (elbow) is slated to make a rehab appearance for the PawSox today against Buffalo. He threw one perfect inning (12 pitches, 10 for strikes) for Single-A Lowell on Friday. The right-hander, who has been on the disabled list since June 12 with tendinitis, will start for the PawSox today and is scheduled to throw 20-25 pitches. David Pauley will follow Foulke.

Day off for Calloway

PawSox outfielder Ron Calloway was originally scheduled to play last, but has been hampered by a stiff lower back. Pawtucket returned home from its road trip yesterday afternoon, and since it was a long day of travel, Johnson decided to give Calloway the day off. He's leading the club with a .316 average and has 37 RBI in 81 games.

Tamburro makes return

PawSox team president Mike Tamburro was back at McCoy yesterday, and in good health, after undergoing surgery last week to repair a detached retina in his right eye. Tamburro is a mainstay at the front entrance of the ballpark prior to every game, greeting the fans.

Specialty trivia

PawSox knuckleballer Charlie Zink, who started last night, is among a small group of specialty pitchers who have success with the dancing pitch. Former Red Sox catcher and broadcaster, Bob Montgomery, provided color for NESN's PawSox broadcast last night and brought up an interesting stat about knuckleball pitchers. He pointed out that the starting rotation for the Washington Senators in 1945 had four knucklers, including Dutch Leonard, Johnny Niggeling, Mickey Haefner and Roger Wolff.

jmcdonal@projo.com / (401) 277-7340