01:00 AM EDT on Tuesday, August 10, 2004

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Manny Ramirez sat out his third straight game last night, saddled with the flu, which came upon him suddenly Saturday night and caused him to miss the final two games of the Red Sox road trip.

Ramirez had told bench coach Brad Mills that he would be ready to return to the lineup "maybe back home," on Sunday, but he felt no better yesterday and was sent home from the ballpark as the Sox opened a 10-game homestand.

"I was hoping (he could go)," said manager Terry Francona, "but I knew that this was a possibility. He's got a fever. When somebody gets the flu, I can't make it leave his body. I wish I could."

With Ramirez sidelined, Jason Varitek hit third in the batting order and David Ortiz was the cleanup hitter. Francona cited the catcher's hot road trip (9-for-31, three homers, seven RBI) as one of the reasons for his decision. Varitek had made one previous appearance in the No. 3 spot this season.

Meanwhile, Kevin Millar took Ramirez's customary spot in left field.

The doctor is in

It proved a busy afternoon for team physician Bill Morgan. Morgan evaluated a handful of players on the DL, including Trot Nixon (quad), Pokey Reese (ribcage strain), Mark Bellhorn (broken thumb) and Scott Williamson (elbow).

Williamson, who is bothered by an acute forearm muscle strain unrelated to his previous elbow woes, had been close to returning following a few rehab appearances. He'll need additional rest and isn't expected to throw again for several weeks.

"He's going to be a while," said GM Theo Epstein. On the bright side, pitcher Curtis Leskanic (tendinitis) has shown improvement and better velocity in side sessions. He's scheduled to throw a simulated game this afternoon and could be activated by the weekend.

Reese hopes to be cleared to begin more baseball activities soon, but his progress has been slow. He's feeling less discomfort and has begun some general strengthening exercises. Reese will be reevaluated later in the week.

Ellis Burks (left knee surgery) is "progressing well," according to Morgan, and is working on improving motion in the knee.

First-timers

Last night marked the home debut for a number of players obtained by the Sox since the team last left Boston.

"Now that I'm finally getting to put the white jersey on," said newcomer Doug Mientkiewicz, "I think it's going to hit home a lot more than it did (on the road). For the first couple of days, I still found myself waking up and going to the park and expecting to see pinstripes (like the ones worn by his former team the Minnesota Twins) in the locker. Now, it's finally set in."

Also in uniform at Fenway for the first time as members of the Sox: shortstop Orlando Cabrera, outfielder Dave Roberts and pitcher Mike Myers. Kapler on a tear

Gabe Kapler's homer last night -- his fifth of the season -- was his fourth in his last 15 starts. He had just one homer over his first 69 games. Over his last 22 starts, Kapler -- who was 3-for-4 with three RBI -- is hitting a blistering .378, with eight doubles, four homers, 16 RBI and 20 runs scored. That's lifted his average from .239 to .290. He's hit in 18 of those 22 starts.

Around the bases

David Ortiz is two RBI shy of his second consecutive 100 RBI season. With four RBI, Ortiz will set a career best. . . . Thanks to Gabe Kapler 's homer in the third, the Sox have now hit at least one homer in 21 of their last 23 games. . . . Boston faced a lefty starter for the sixth time in the last eight games. Of the next six games on the homestand, they're scheduled to face just one lefty -- Tampa's Mark Hendrickson in Thursday's matinee. . . . Varitek (2-for-4) is hitting .423 against Tampa Bay this season with four homers and nine RBI. . . . Millar (2-for-4) is hitting .667 (16-for-24) over his last seven home games. . . . The last time Curt Schilling allowed three homers in the same game was Sept. 21, 2003, some 23 starts ago.