01:00 AM EDT on Friday, June 16, 2006

MINNEAPOLIS --

There was no word before last night's game on Matt Clement, who returned to Boston for an MRI on his ailing right shoulder. It's unlikely, however, that Clement will be able to make his next scheduled start, Monday at Fenway.

"We have to try to figure it out," said manager Terry Francona. "We can't keep taking him out of games."

Internally, the Sox have three options: David Pauley, who has already made three starts in recent weeks; Abe Alvarez, who has been with the club in a relief role; and Matt Ginter, who has major-league experience with the Chicago White Sox.

"We need help for our starting staff," said general manager Theo Epstein in a conference call. "Certainly, we're exploring all the options outside the organization. We're preparing internal options, but we're also exploring (some) outside the organization."

Among the names said to be available: Tony Armas Jr. (Washington), Gil Meche (Seattle), Kyle Lohse (Minnesota), Scott Elarton (Kansas City) and Jeff Weaver (L.A. Dodgers).

But the price for most is said to be prohibitive.

-- SEAN McADAM