NEW YORK - Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew was placed on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to Aug. 18) yesterday with a herniated disk in his back. He was examined by a spine specialist yesterday in New York. The move was announced a few minutes before the first pitch of last night's game.

His spot was taken by Tim Wakefield, who was activated from the DL and was the starting pitcher against the Yankees.

Drew, who had missed six consecutive games, had an MRI taken last Friday in Toronto where it was discovered he had a herniated disk. When the club was in Toronto, Drew had trouble simply walking. But yesterday he was riding the stationary bike in the visitors' clubhouse at Yankee Stadium.

"It's better," he said. "It's not as stiff moving around. There are signs we're going in the right direction. This one has been relentless for over a week. I'm just taking it one day at a time right now, and hopefully when I wake up one morning I'll be ready to go."

In and out of Pawtucket

The Red Sox purchased the contract of infielder Joe Thurston from Pawtucket yesterday, and optioned right-handed reliever Chris Smith back to Pawtucket. Pitcher Bartolo Colon has been moved from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL in order to make room for Thurston on the club's 40-man roster.