PAWTUCKET -- The name Ryan Khoury doesn't necessarily jump out at you. In fact, most PawSox fans probably don't realize he's on Pawtucket's roster.

The 22-year-old infielder was promoted from Single-A Lowell on Aug. 3, and despite all the roster moves the PawSox have made this month, Khoury has been a mainstay. He was selected by the Red Sox in the 12th round of this year's June draft and was making a smooth transition to the professional level with the Spinners where he hit .246 with 15 RBI and two stolen bases.

Since his promotion to Pawtucket, he's played in only eight games with 17 plate appearances, but it's not just the on-field experiences that will help his development.

"It's been awesome," he said. "It's still a little bit hectic because I really don't know if I'm coming or going, but I've been lucky enough to stay up here. I'm just trying to learn as much as I can and take advantage of it."

Just when he felt he was finally settled into his new surroundings in Lowell, he was promoted here.

"He's done a really nice job here," said Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson. "I've been really pleased. This is a tremendous asset for him as he begins his developmental path. The way this organization is, it's not afraid to take guys to Boston and it's the same thing here. It pays dividends and he's holding his own."

The biggest change for Khoury is getting used to the wooden bat, opposed to the aluminum ones used at the collegiate level. A native of West Jordan, Utah, he attended the University of Utah and finished his collegiate career as the school's all-time leader in hits with 291 in 211 games in four years.

"Just the mental side of the game is different," he said. "You have to be a lot more mentally strong just to be average. If you're just mentally strong in college, you are above average."

By playing in Lowell and Pawtucket, Khoury is getting a first-hand look at Red Sox Nation and everything that comes along with playing in the organization.

"I've always hated the Yankees," he said. "In '04 what the Sox did to come back [from 0-3 down in the ALCS] to win that thing, you can't help but respect that, so I've been a fan since then. It's pretty nuts. I had heard about it, but really didn't know what to expect. They're diehards, that's for sure. It's pretty crazy seeing some of the stuff that goes on, and how dedicated the fans are. It's pretty cool."

Hertzler off to Portland

Reliever Barry Hertzler was transferred to Double-A Portland after Monday night's game. The East Providence native was 4-2 with a 4.87 E.R.A. in 25 appearances for the PawSox, including two saves. Johnson said the move was made to help in his development and the timing was right.

"He did a nice job when he was here," said Johnson. "He got some valuable developmental time, and we thought, as an organization, the highest percentage for his benefit will come from going down and finishing strong."

The PawSox will add pitcher Rob Henkel to their roster today and will start the left-hander tonight. The 28-year-old was signed as a free agent yesterday. He had been pitching for Lancaster in the Independent League. He posted a 7-4 record with a 4.23 E.R.A. in 27 games.

Alvarez out for season

PawSox starter Abe Alvarez, who suffered a broken right ankle, is done for the season. It's been a trying year for the 23-year-old left-hander, who finished with a 6-9 mark and a 5.64 E.R.A. in 21 starts.

"It's just one of those things that happens in life," said Johnson. "It's unfortunate. It is what it is, you need to get healthy and go from there."

Alvarez began the season 5-0, but struggled after that. The worst part, he suffered the injury when he twisted it away from the park. He was sporting a cast and using crutches yesterday.

Condolences to White family

Condolences go out to PawSox vice president and chief financial officer Matt White and his family for the passing of his father, Doug White, the longtime anchor for NBC 10.

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