01:00 AM EDT on Saturday, June 24, 2006

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Brett Myers was arrested early yesterday morning in Boston for hitting his wife in the face. According to reports, the 25-year-old hurler and his wife, Kim, were arguing shortly after midnight near Fenway Park when witnesses say they saw Myers hit his wife and pull her hair.

Myers was arraigned in Boston Municipal Court yesterday and pleaded not guilty. He's scheduled to pitch today's game at Fenway.

"At this point, obviously, it is a sensitive issue," said Phillies GM Pat Gillick. "Anything that affects our players affects the team, and we take it very serious."

Gillick said before yesterday's game that he feels confident Myers (5-3, 3.77 E.R.A) will be ready for his 16th start of the season today. Gillick also said once players step between the lines, they are able to erase any distractions that may occur off the field.

Added Gillick: "Whatever needs he and his wife might have, certainly the Phillies are here and ready to support, not only Brett and Kim, but all of our players."

According to reports, Boston police responded to a 911 call and found Myers' wife crying and with a swollen face. Police arrested the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Myers, and his wife later posted $200 bail.

Johnson throws on side

Newly acquired pitcher Jason Johnson was in uniform yesterday and pitched a side session before last night's game. The Sox acquired the right-hander from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for cash and a player to be named. Boston manager Terry Francona said he's expecting Johnson, 32, to throw a side every day until he's able to start. He was 3-8 with a 5.96 E.R.A in 14 starts for the Indians this season.

Wells close to pitching

News on David Wells took a positive spin yesterday. Francona said the veteran left-hander, who is in San Diego rehabbing his ailing right knee, is optimistic he'll be able to start throwing soon. The Red Sox skipper also said it's likely Wells will join the team on its next road trip to play the Marlins, the Devil Rays and the White Sox.

Papelbon nears record

Red Sox rookie closer Jonathan Papelbon is well rested after not having to pitch in the last four days leading up to last night's game. He earned saves in all three games against the Braves last weekend in Atlanta, and he was up getting warm during Wednesday's game against Washington, but he was not needed. Still, it was good to get the work in.

"I think it's great," said Francona. "He's not rusty and that's very good."

Papelbon has 23 saves and is one shy from the team record for a rookie, which is held by Dick Radatz (1962).

Clubhouse talk on marathon

While the Pawtucket Red Sox celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Longest Game last night at McCoy Stadium, there was talk about the historic game around the Red Sox clubhouse. Kevin Youkilis, who played parts of three seasons for the PawSox, said yesterday he couldn't imagine playing 32 consecutive innings. The most he has played was 16 while in college at the University of Cincinnati. Francona, who was a rookie for Triple-A Denver (Montreal Expos) in 1981, knew about the 33-inning marathon but said yesterday he has never experienced anything like that during his playing, coaching or managing days.

"That's a lot of baseball," he said. "The biggest fear would be going through your pitching too quick, but in 33 innings you're going to go through all your pitching."

Francona later made his major league debut for the Expos in August of 1981.

Cormier camps in Jamestown

Phillies reliever and former CCRI standout Rheal Cormier spent the off-day on Thursday camping in Jamestown with his family. A native of Moncton, New Brunswick, the left-hander played for the Knights in 1987 and 1988 and helped the school reach the JUCO World Series in Grand Junction, Colo., in 1988. He is a member of the CCRI Hall of Fame and is in his 15th major league season. . . . Comedian Dane Cook threw out the ceremonial first pitch last night. . . . Last night's game was delayed 43 minutes due to rain. It's the third time this season a home game has been delayed. . . . Outfielder Wily Mo Pena, who is rehabbing from wrist surgery, hit in the batting cage yesterday and is progressing. . . . With his three-run homer in the first inning and a solo blast in the seventh, Manny Ramirez has passed Jim Thome and is 27th all-time with 455.

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