01:00 AM EDT on Friday, July 14, 2006

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Craig Breslow showed up at Toledo's Fifth Third Park Wednesday, excited about the prospect of pitching in the International League's All-Star Game.

But the Pawtucket Red Sox left-hander's emotions took a dip when he looked at the lineup card, showing which inning each pitcher would be getting into the game.

"Next to my name it said 'side session,' " said Breslow.

Breslow was understandably puzzled. The Yale graduate tried to analyze the reasons for his planned inactivity on the festive night. His own manager, Ron Johnson, who was a coach at the game, didn't shed any light on the situation, either.

"I figured something was up, but I didn't know what. Not too many guys go to an All-Star Game to throw a side session," said Breslow, who wondered if he was about to included in a trade.

Eventually yesterday Johnson filled in Breslow on what was going on. Breslow was called up to Boston, effective yesterday, so the Red Sox hadn't wanted him to pitch Wednesday night as they contemplated how they would replace Jason Johnson (optioned to Wilmington on Monday).

"I was definitely surprised, excited and anxious all at the same time," said Breslow, 25, who worked in 14 games for the Padres a year ago, his first big-league action.

Breslow, who was 5-1 with a 3.40 earned-run average in 26 relief appearances for Pawtucket this year, may only be in Boston through the weekend. The Sox will need a starter for Monday night's game against Kansas City. It's likely Kyle Snyder will be brought up from Pawtucket for at least that start, meaning another pitcher would likely be lopped from the roster.

Lenny DiNardo was moved from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list, allowing the Sox to make room on the 40-man big-league roster for Breslow, who had signed with Boston as a free agent in the offseason.

Injury updates

There were plenty of injured-pitcher updates before last night's game, notably:

David Wells (right knee) played long toss and did so well that manager Terry Francona said the team is beginning to entertain the notion that the veteran left-hander could throw a side session possibly within a week.

DiNardo, on the DL since May 24 because of a sore neck, will begin a rehab assignment in Pawtucket tonight. He's expected to throw 40 to 45 pitches.

Keith Foulke (right elbow) has been throwing but still feels some discomfort in his elbow.

Matt Clement (tired shoulder) backed off his throwing program over the All-Star break, concentrating on strengthening exercises. He played catch from about 60 feet yesterday.

Curt Schilling (bruise above right elbow) is expected to start, as scheduled, tomorrow night against the Athletics.

Tim Wakefield (back) has a few more days to make sure he can start Sunday.

Not much room left

Outfielder Wily Mo Pena (left hamate surgery) is expected to get 10 to 15 more at-bats on his rehab assignment with Pawtucket through the weekend. He could rejoin Boston Monday, but Francona acknowledged yesterday he wasn't sure how he'd be able to use Pena because the outfield is crowded already, with Manny Ramirez, Coco Crisp and Trot Nixon the normal starters and Gabe Kapler as the fourth outfielder.

But Francona did say that Pena will not be playing first base in Boston, saying that if he wanted to rest Kevin Youkilis for a day or if something were to happen in a game that necessitated a change, he would use second baseman Mark Loretta at first base.

An All-Star complaint

Jonathan Papelbon had to buy an extra suitcase to be able to drag home all the All-Star gear his teammates prevailed upon him to purchase and deliver to the Sox clubhouse, as a first-time All-Star.

In addition to taking over the Sox' closer role, Papelbon has been thrust, along with Youkilis, into the role of player representative.

While he was in Pittsburgh, Papelbon said he talked to Jim Thome about one of the players' irritations -- that the All-Star break should be lengthened a day so that the All-Stars themselves actually can have a break.

As it is now, they rush from a game on Sunday, endure a whirlwind two-day All-Star experience and most are back in the lineup for a regular-season game on Thursday with barely one day off. The non-All-Stars have had three-plus days off. That's one reason veterans who have had several All-Star appearances are tempted to beg off if selected, having been there and done that and preferring the rest to the hoopla.

Papelbon said there has been sentiment to give up a day off in May or June (the Sox had four scheduled days off) to account for an extra day at the All-Star break. That may be one issue the union takes up after this season when the bargaining agreement comes to an end.

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