01:00 AM EDT on Saturday, June 17, 2006

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

ATLANTA -- Additional tests performed on Matt Clement 's right shoulder showed no structural problems yesterday afternoon, but did reveal some weakness in the area that will require strengthening before Clement can pitch again.

Accordingly, Clement, who was pulled from two of his last three starts with discomfort in the shoulder, was placed on the disabled list yesterday, retroactive to Thursday.

With Clement sidelined, the Sox are in need of a starter for Monday against Washington at Fenway. In addition to a number of candidates at Pawtucket -- including David Pauley , Abe Alvarez and Matt Ginter -- the Sox have another option.

They claimed Kyle Snyder on waivers from Kansas City. Snyder had made just one start for the Royals, but had been pitching well at Triple-A Omaha (0-4, 3.88 E.R.A.) in 10 games. In parts of three seasons in the big leagues, Snyder, 28, has been far less successful, going 2-9 with a 5.91 E.R.A. in 29 games.

Snyder was placed on the 40-man roster yesterday, but the Sox have 72 hours to assign him.

Meanwhile, the Sox continue to explore trade options. The club has had conversations with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim regarding Jeff Weaver , whom the Angels are actively trying to move to make room in the rotation for his younger brother Jared .

Jeff Weaver is in the final year of a contract that pays him $8.25 million. The Angels are said to be willing to eat a significant amount of Weaver's remaining salary to help facilitate a deal.

Jeff Weaver was scheduled to start last night for the Angels, but it was unclear whether the Sox planned to have anyone on hand to watch him firsthand.

Kapler's back

In addition to disabling Clement and claiming Snyder, the Sox were busy in the transactions department.

They also purchased the contract of outfielder Gabe Kapler , who took Clement's spot on the 25-man roster. The Sox debated promoting a reliever to give them an extra pitcher, but decided that an extra bat off the bench would be more helpful this weekend.

Kapler's return to the big leagues, after rupturing his Achilles tendon last September in Toronto, comes weeks before anticipated. But the club was satisfied with his progress at extended spring training, Portland, and more recently Pawtucket.

"He's running pretty well," said manager Terry Francona . "He didn't have a lot of at-bats, but he gives us a right-handed bat we haven't had. I think it's a good idea."

The timetable "isn't ideal," said Francona, but added that Kapler was ready for the challenge.

"I thought he looked pretty good before (he left on his rehab assignment)," Francona said. "I'll be really interested to see if he gets back to 100 percent."

Kapler labeled himself "extraordinarily" satisfied to back with the Red Sox, having overcome what some feared might be a career-threatening injury, and thanked the Red Sox' training staff for its help and the organization for its patience.

"I'm where I need to be (physically)," Kapler said. "I'm capable of doing anything I have to do on the field."

Francona said that when Kapler suffered the injury, physical therapist Scott Waugh predicted that the outfielder would return to action on June 15; as it turned out, he was off by a single day.

It's possible that Kapler could get a start this afternoon.

Renteria reunion

Edgar Renteria , who endured a rough season in Boston last year, was greeted warmly by former teammates before the game.

Renteria went into last night's game hitting .325 with eight homers and 28 RBI and eight errors. Last year, Renteria led the majors in errors (30) and hit only eight homers all season while batting .276.

"I'm so happy he's doing well," Francona said. "Through all his struggles, he was really classy. He just had a tough time (playing in Boston)."

Mohr, Holtz on the way out

To make room for the purchase of Kapler's contract and the claiming of Snyder on their 40-man roster, the Sox designated outfielder Dustan Mohr and pitcher Mike Holtz for assignment.

The Sox now have 10 days to waive, trade or release the players.

Youkilis sits

With no DH available, David Ortiz played first and Kevin Youkilis was out of the lineup. Tomorrow night, facing John Smoltz , it will be Mike Lowell 's turn to sit, with Youkilis moving to third base. . . . Coco Crisp returned to the top spot in the lineup with Youkilis on the bench. . . . Alex Cora got the start at short over Alex Gonzalez . . . . Rudy Seanez pitched a perfect seventh and has allowed just two earned runs over his last 15 appearances.

smcadam@projo.com / (401) 277-7340