01:00 AM EDT on Monday, July 26, 2004

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Catcher Jason Varitek was out of the starting lineup because of a sore right wrist, an injury most likely suffered during his part as one of the principals, along with the Yanks' Alex Rodriguez, in Saturday's bench-clearing brawl.

Neither team physician Bill Morgan nor Varitek seemed to think he would be out long, but when Varitek went to shake hands with recently acquired reliever Terry Adams yesterday he took off his catcher's mitt and extended his left hand -- not his right -- for the traditional handshake.

Morgan performed a clinical exam of the wrist. X-rays were not deemed necessary as of early last night.

While Morgan wouldn't attribute the injury to the fight, Varitek didn't deny the possibility.

"I would imagine that's how it happened. I would think that's how it happened. I can't think of any other way it could have happened," he said.

Varitek said he didn't feel any pain until just before going to bed Saturday night.

"I was a little worried last night about it," he said. "But it has gotten a lot better."

Varitek was asked if would respond to Rodriguez's irritation that Varitek hadn't taken off his catcher's mask before whacking the Yankee third baseman in the face.

"No comment," said Varitek with a small smile and shake of the head.

Andy Dominique, who was recalled from Pawtucket yesterday after the PawSox' game to replace Trot Nixon on the roster, is the Sox' third catcher.

Toronto's Adams joins bullpen

Terry Adams, the Red Sox' latest bullpen acquisition, arrived from Toronto last night and was wearing uniform number 53.

He replaced right-hander Curtis Leskanic on the roster. Leskanic was placed on the disabled list because of right shoulder tendinitis.

Adams, 31, who has pitched in parts of 10 big-league seasons, likely will be used in the sixth or seventh innings as a bridge to the back-end bullpen trip of Mike Timlin, Alan Embree and Keith Foulke. "I'm looking forward to being in a pennant race," said Adams, who was traded for minor-league infielder John Hattig and cash considerations. "Toronto was in last place and not playing well. I'll be glad to be able to come to the park with something to look forward to."

Adams was 4-4 with three saves and a 3.98 earned-run average in 42 games for the Jays. Leskanic was 1-2 with a 5.93 E.R.A. in 14 games for the Sox.

Embree spared for later use

Embree has been battling spasms and tightness in his left triceps for about a week.

He was visibly upset about being taken out of Saturday's game after one inning and only 13 pitches.

"It was an emotional game. I didn't want to come out. It had to be explained to me that the team needs me not for this game, but for the season," said Embree.

Embree said he should be able to pitch through the problem.

Williamson's return may be near

Scott Williamson, who threw an inning for Pawtucket yesterday, will pitch for Portland tomorrow night. If all goes well, the right-hander could be activated Friday, when the Sox open a series in Minnesota . . . The Sox have an off day on Thursday, and another one the following Thursday as part of their four-city, 12-game trip that begins tonight in Baltimore. But Terry Francona said it's likely the rotation will remain intact, without anyone being skipped . . . Johnny Damon and Mark Bellhorn hit consecutive homers in the second, marking the fifth time this season the Sox have gone back-to-back.

Kerry throws first pitch

The ceremonial first pitch was thrown out by Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, the presumed nominee for the Democratic presidential candidate. The Democratic National Convention opens in Boston today.

Sean McAdam contributed to this report.