08:59 AM EDT on Friday, May 27, 2005

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

TORONTO -- The Red Sox made a couple of moves after last night's 8-1 loss to the Blue Jays, one of which was the expected addition of veteran first baseman John Olerud to the roster in time for the start of the three-game series in Yankee Stadium tonight.

Olerud's contract was purchased from Pawtucket, where he played in three games for the PawSox on a rehabilitation assignment. Olerud, who had offseason foot surgery, had signed with Boston about a month ago and had been working out in extended spring training in Fort Myers before joining the PawSox last Monday.

"I feel like I'm moving around pretty good," Olerud said. "The foot's not bothering me at all. I got my work in at extended spring training and up here and I feel like I'm ready to go and contribute to the big-league club."

To make room for Olerud on the 40-man roster the Red Sox designated veteran catcher/infielder Shawn Wooten for assignment. Wooten had been called up on May 20, when Doug Mirabelli was placed on the disabled list. Wooten made his first appearance with Boston last night, catching the final two innings. He grounded out in his only at-bat.

To fill the backup catcher void, Boston promoted Kelly Shoppach from Pawtucket. Shoppach had been limited to designated hitter duties for a while because of a foot injury, but he was recently cleared to catch. And to make room for Shoppach, the Sox optioned back to Pawtucket right-hander Jeremi Gonzalez, who pitched four strong innings (one run) last night. That leaves the Sox with 11 pitchers.

The most significant move, though, is the addition of Olerud. He will give manager Terry Francona several more lineup options. Always a slick fielder, he can replace defensively challenged Kevin Millar at first if the Sox have a lead late. As a left-handed hitter, he could platoon with Millar, a right-handed hitter. And he also can be used as a left-handed bat off the bench.

Millar had been in a 6-for-39 skid until going 3-for-4 last night.

A sensitive topic

Curt Schilling has been able to move from 120 feet to 150 for his long-toss sessions. It's a step in the right direction, but it does not mean that he'll be throwing off the mound anytime soon.

A Boston Herald report yesterday said that Schilling, on the disabled list because of what the club termed a "bone bruise" in his surgically repaired right ankle, could be out until the All-Star break in mid-July.

"I don't know when Schill's coming back," a testy Francona said. "He was in a boot for three weeks. His arm's doing good. His shoulder's doing good. He continues to work on his arm strength. But he lost muscle and strength. He has to build that up, too."

Another sensitive topic

Closer Keith Foulke was no bundle of sunshine, either.

After playing coy with the media on Wednesday as to whether he had been in Alabama to see noted orthopedist James Andrews on Monday, when the rest of the team was in Cooperstown, N.Y., for the Hall of Fame Game, it came out that while Foulke didn't see Andrews about shoulder issues, he was at the doctor's clinic to have his mechanics filmed and dissected.

Sox' CEO Larry Lucchini reportedly was on Boston radio yesterday confirming the fact. Francona, respecting Foulke's wishes, wouldn't say anything about it.

Foulke once again parried with the media.

"Go ask Larry. Go ask Tito. I'm done. It's not a story," said Foulke.

He was asked directly if he had in Alabama to have his mechanics checked out. The question prompted him to get out of his chair in front of his locker.

"I'm done. That's it. I'm going to get me some chili," said Foulke, walking away toward the food table in the clubhouse.

Here and there

The Red Sox, who went 14-5 against the Blue Jays last season, are now 2-6 against Toronto so far this season. . . . The three-game sweep of Boston was the first for the Jays since May 30-June 1, 2003. . . . Toronto's pitching staff, including left-hander Gustavo Chacin last night, stifled David Ortiz (2-for-11) and Manny Ramirez (1-for-12) in the series. . . . The key at-bat last night came in the sixth against a tiring Chacin, with the Sox down, 7-1. Boston had the bases loaded, but Jay Payton rapped an 0-and-1 pitch on the ground to shortstop Russ Adams, who started an easy inning-ending double play. . . . Edgar Renteria emerged from his doldrums, going 6-for-12 in the series, including his first three-hit game for the Sox, a 3-for-4 effort last night. He raised his average from .239 to .257. . . . After pulling a two-out double inside the third-base bag in the eighth, Millar fell asleep at second and was picked off on a throw from pitcher Pete Walker to second baseman Orlando Hudson. . . . The Sox are 1-5 in their last six road games . . . The three-game losing streak matches their longest such streak of the year.

Kevin Brafford contributed to this report