BOSTON -- Chris Carter had a feeling he might make his major-league debut last night.

First, he was on call in case Crisp (sore thumb) was unable to play. Coco Crisp started, though, but his ejection paved the way for Carter to get into a big-league game for the first time since being drafted by Arizona in the 17th round of the 2004 draft.

Carter entered as a pinch runner for Crisp after the brawl. He scored a run. In his first at-bat, Carter notched his first hit in the majors, a single to center off Grant Balfour. The ball was collected as a souvenir for Carter, 25.

His second hit came in his second at-bat, a ground ball through the left side.

Unfortunately for him, Carter was optioned back to Pawtucket because the Sox are calling up Brandon Moss. Moss is a better defensive outfielder than Carter, a quality the Sox need right now.