BOSTON -- The Red Sox have not made an official announcement, but Chris Carter was told after Wednesday night's game that he was being sent to Pawtucket.

The 25-year-old outfielder/first baseman was 0-for-5 in four games with one RBI. He made the Opening Day roster for the first time in his career after hitting .355 with 6 homers and 11 RBI in 28 spring training games for the Red Sox.

Carter said the move will benefit him because he'll be able to play every day for the PawSox and get some much needed at-bats. He battled for the final roster spot this spring along with Jeff Bailey, who was called up from Pawtucket on Monday, officially added to the roster on Wednesday, and hit a three-run homer in his first at-bat to help Boston to victory over the Twins.

Carter spent the majority of 2008 with the PawSox and hit .300 with 24 homers and 81 RBI before he was called up in September.

Bailey replaced Rocco Baldelli, who was placed on the 15-day DL on Tuesday due to a hamstring injury.

With Carter heading back to Pawtucket, it's possible the Sox could recall center fielder Jonathan Van Every, who is on a major-league rehab assignment with the PawSox. After an ankle injury sidelined him during spring training, Van Every played his first game in Pawtucket Wednesday afternoon at McCoy Stadium and hit a grand slam.

jmcdonal@projo.com