Casey

PAWTUCKET — Not only has the Pawtucket Red Sox won back-to-back games over the Durham Bulls the last two days at McCoy Stadium, but the PawSox players have been treated like major-leaguers.

First, rehabbing Red Sox infielder Alex Cora had food from Capriccio delivered after Wednesday night’s game. Then Sean Casey followed that up with takeout from Capital Grille after yesterday’s 3-2 matinee victory.

It’s tradition for a major-leaguer who is rehabbing in the minors to treat the minor-leaguers to a deluxe meal, but having Cora and Casey around the last couple of days also sets an example for these players at Triple A.

“These guys are going to eat right with me and Cora here,” Casey said with a laugh.

PawSox executive chef Ken Bowdish always feeds the players like kings; it’s just what major-leaguers do when they’re here.

“I’m having a ball with these guys,” said PawSox manager Ron Johnson as he devoured his filet mignon. “These guys are a lot of fun to be around.”

As far as their rehab goes, everything is fine.

Cora (elbow strain) played his second game for Pawtucket yesterday and went 1-for-4 with a run scored. Unlike Wednesday’s game, he had plenty of plays at second base to test the arm, which he said was 100 percent.

Casey (hip sprain) showed no ill effects and went 2-for-4 with a run scored, while serving as the PawSox’ DH.

Casey suffered the hip strain on April 26 in Tampa, something he’s never experienced. So, it was important for him to get on the base paths yesterday and test it out. He didn’t waste any time as he singled in his first at-bat and then reached third on a double by Sandy Madera.

“Too much running,” joked Casey. “That ball went in the gap and I thought ‘Oh Boy!’ I figured I was going to score, but RJ held me up and I said ‘OK, I’ll stop.’ But it was great. It was good to get out there again and really test it out. Theo [Epstein] told me if I didn’t get on base I would have to stay on a rehab assignment, so I got on base.”

“He’s probably the only player I’ve had who was on first base and as soon as the ball was hit I’m holding my hands up,” said Johnson, who also serves as the third-base coach. “It was good because both guys were able to get a lot of at-bats, and Alex had a lot of plays at second.”

Cora will play shortstop and Casey will play first tonight against the Norfolk Tides If everything goes as planned, they will both rejoin the Red Sox tomorrow.

“They must be really pleased with the way they felt out there today,” Johnson said. “Alex has been swinging the heck out of the bat, and Sean got those two hits. It was good stuff.”

After yesterday’s game, the PawSox clubhouse was jovial and well fed. Casey spent a few minutes catching up with some friends outside the clubhouse before digging into the steaks, too.

“He’s a phenomenal guy,” said PawSox pitcher David Pauley, who earned the victory yesterday. “He’s a great guy to be around. He’s got a great attitude and he plays the game the way you’re supposed to. He’s just one of those guys you try to model yourself after. He’s one of the best guys around and it’s fun to have someone like that around.”

It’s been a crazy first season in Boston for Casey. He was brought in to be a role player off the bench before Mike Lowell was injured and Casey became an everyday player until he got hurt. Now Lowell’s back in the lineup for the Red Sox, and Casey will probably return to the dugout after he finishes here tonight.

“It has been crazy, but it’s been great,” he said. “I’ve so enjoyed playing for the Red Sox and it’s being a part of what’s going on here has been cool. I’m just hoping to be back (with Boston) on Saturday.”

jmcdonal@projo.com