ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Another day, another new catcher for the Red Sox.

Yesterday it was Corky Miller joining Boston, summoned with an S.O.S. after Doug Mirabelli (high left ankle sprain) became the second starting catcher knocked out of the starting lineup this week because of an injury.

Miller, whose contract was purchased from Pawtucket, was activated prior to last night's game against the Devil Rays, with right-hander Bryan Corey's brief tenure coming to a close. Corey, who joined the Sox last Monday, was designated for assignment to make room for Miller.

Miller thus became the third new Sox catcher in less than a week.

Ken Huckaby, who had been promoted from Pawtucket when Jason Varitek (left knee surgery) was placed on the disabled list Tuesday, was designated for assignment on Friday, the same day that Javy Lopez was acquired in a trade with the Orioles.

Miller was on a hot streak with the PawSox, having slammed seven homers in his last 40 at-bats. His stay may be brief because Mirabelli could be able to return to the lineup in a few days, at which point Boston could add reliever Keith Foulke if the right-hander's rehabilitation continues satisfactorily.

In any event, it doesn't look as if Mirabelli will have to join Varitek on the DL.

"There's no structural damage. Once I get some mobility I'll be good to go," said Mirabelli, who was limping around the clubhouse, but without the crutch he had had to use for support the previous night after suffering the injury on a tag play at the plate.

For the time being, Lopez will get a crash course in the Sox' pitching staff, getting on-the-job training. Lopez, who caught only 21 games for the Orioles this year, had been told to relax and get acquainted with his new teammates prior to Friday night's game, but that plan went out the window when Mirabelli had to leave before batting in the third inning.

Despite the concern for Mirabelli, the scene in the Sox' dugout took on almost a comical aspect, Francona said.

"Javy didn't have his pads with him [in the dugout] so we're looking over Dougie and [Javy] is reaching over Dougie to get [Mirabelli's] pads, and Dougie wanted to stay in the game," said Francona. "It wasn't funny, but it kind of was."

Miller has played in a total of 88 big-league games for the Reds (2001-04) and Twins (2005). His career average was .193, including six homers. He understood what brought him back to the majors.

"It's an unfortunate circumstance I'm here. You never want to see Doug or guys get hurt. But you need to have two catchers. It's not a position where you can get by with only one," said Miller, who knew after the PawSox' doubleheader Friday that he might be brought up by Boston as an insurance policy for at least a few days.

Lopez started behind the plate last night.

Lowell on the mend

Third baseman Mike Lowell (bruised left foot) still wasn't able to return to the lineup, but he was moving around much better yesterday than he had been Friday night.

Lowell, who fouled a ball off his left foot Thursday night, had an MRI during Friday night's game and no fractures were found, causing him to heave a huge sigh of relief.

"I'm just happy it wasn't broken. Even a small fracture would be four weeks [out of action]," said Lowell. "Hopefully it will only be a couple more days. I'm hoping sooner than later."

Lowell said that when he does return he will wear a protective shin guard with a flap that protects the top of the foot and the toes when he bats.

Over and out

The roster swap of a pitcher (Corey) for a position player (Miller) gives the Red Sox a little better pitcher/position player balance, leaving them with 12 pitchers and 13 position players.

That gave Francona four bench players last night. But in reality, he had only two -- Miller and Alex Cora -- because Lowell and Mirabelli weren't likely to be available, though Francona said there was an outside chance that Lowell could pinch hit if necessary.

Corey worked only one inning for Boston after having been claimed off waivers from the Rangers. His second pitch was pulled around the Pesky Pole for a homer by Indians infielder Joe Inglett. He allowed just the one hit and run.

Injury front

News on the rehab front, as relayed by Francona:

Tim Wakefield (rib cage) played catch in Boston and reported no ill effects. He is scheduled to play catch again today.

Varitek (left knee surgery) is down to one crutch and has been doing simulated throwing from a chair.

Trot Nixon (right biceps strain) did some "pulling" exercises with his right arm that were tolerated well.

There are no specific return timetables for any of them, though.

Around the bases

In an effort to take a little pressure off Manny Ramirez's legs on the Tropicana Field artificial turf, Francona had him serve as the designated hitter last night, maneuvering the roster to put David Ortiz at first base and Kevin Youkilis at third, with an outfield of Wily Mo Pena, Coco Crisp and Gabe Kapler . . . Rhode Island's Rocco Baldelli (right hamstring) missed his third straight start . . . Miller is the 21st position player and 46th player overall on the Sox' roster this season . . . On Friday night, Jonathan Papelbon became just the fifth rookie to rack up 30 saves in a season . . . Kapler was hit by a pitch in each of his first two at-bats against Casey Fossum last night, taking one off the left foot and the other off the right thigh. He got a measure of revenge by swiping second base after getting hit for the second time.

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