BALTIMORE -- Jonathan Van Every, in his eighth minor-league season, finally received the call he had been waiting for.

At 8 yesterday morning, Van Every, in Buffalo with the Pawtucket Red Sox, was told he was promoted to Boston, taking the place of pitcher Clay Buchholz (DL - torn fingernail) on the roster because the Red Sox had two outfielders unavailable - J.D. Drew (hyperextended left wrist) and Coco Crisp (migraine-like symptoms).

"On the flight, there were a million things going through my mind, childhood things," said Van Every of his childhood dream finally being realized.

The dream took on an even happier note when Van Every found out from traveling secretary Jack McCormick that he was in yesterday's starting lineup, batting ninth. Van Every learned that bit of news when he called McCormick after landing in Baltimore.

"I wasn't expecting to play. It's definitely a great feeling. There have been many trials and tribulations," said Van Every, 27, who arrived in the clubhouse about two hours before the first pitch.

Van Every struck out in his first and third at-bats, but in between he hammered a single to center off Daniel Cabrera.

-STEVEN KRASNER