Bowden

BOSTON — Highly touted right-hander Michael Bowden will be added to the roster and will make his major-league debut when he starts tonight against the White Sox, the Red Sox announced last night.

The announcement game after a dizzying day of health issues that caused the Red Sox to have only 24 players instead of 25 for last night’s game.

Bowden was 0-3 with a 3.38 ERA in seven game, six of them starts, for the Pawtucket Red Sox. Before being promoted to Triple A, Bowden was 9-4 with 2.33 ERA in 19 starts for Double-A Portland.

While Josh Beckett (who was placed on the DL) for David Ross (from Pawtucket) was an even roster switch, Boston later placed Sean Casey on the disabled list because of a strained neck.

“It’s a little bit of a rapid ascent for him, but we all feel he can handle it,” said manager Terry Francona. “It’s going to be an exciting day for the organization.”

The Red Sox will have to make a move today on their 40-man roster to open up a spot for Bowden.

David Pauley, who was originally listed to start tonight’s game, will remain in the bullpen.

Pedroia sizzles

Dustin Pedroia’s hot streak continued, but that probably was to be expected because he was facing one of his personal “pigeons,” the White Sox’ Javier Vazquez.

Pedroia was 4-for-7 versus the right-hander before last night’s action. He went 3-for-3 with a walk at Vazquez’s expense, making him a .700 hitter (7-for-10) against him. Overall, Pedroia notched his 52nd multiple-hit game, tops in the American League.

His 4-for-4 night (he also got a hit off Lance Broadway) boosted his average to .322. Texas’ Milton Bradley entered last night leading the league at .322, and was playing later in Anaheim. Pedroia is batting a sizzling .384 (106-for-276) over his last 63 games, dating back to June 14.

Pedroia scored three runs, giving him 104 for the season, setting a record for Red Sox second basemen. Bobby Doerr scored 103 runs in 1950.

Francona prefers veteran

The addition of Ross gives Francona a third catcher, which will allow him more maneuverability during a game. For instance, Francona can send up a pinch-hitter for either Kevin Cash or Jason Varitek, neither of whom is an offensive threat, earlier in a game if he so desires and still have protection at the position.

Ross was signed on Aug. 22 after being waived by the Reds. The Red Sox were planning to promote him on Monday, Sept. 1, when rosters expand, but Beckett’s health situation allows them the opportunity to bring him to Boston a few days sooner.

Francona said he preferred to have a veteran as a third catcher as opposed to either George Kottaras or Dusty Brown, who have shared the catching duties in Pawtucket all season.

“We have two young catchers at Triple A and in looking for a third catcher, it (their inexperience in the big leagues) was not an ideal situation, calling up someone who doesn’t know the hitters,” said Francona.

“That doesn’t mean they (Kottaras and Brown) won’t play in the major leagues. We wanted a veteran presence as our No. 3 catcher.”

Ross, 31, batted .250 (7-for-28) with one homer and three RBI in six games for the PawSox.

He batted .231 with three homers and 13 RBI in 52 games with the Reds this year.

Around the bases

Newly acquired Mark Kotsay started in right field but took ground balls at first base early yesterday. Kotsay, who has 24 games of big-league experience at first, is likely to start at the position tonight. … Coco Crisp had to be scratched from the starting lineup because of flu-like symptoms. He was replaced by Jacoby Ellsbury, who made an outstanding diving catch in right-center, robbing Orlando Cabrera of an extra-base hit on Daisuke Matsuzaka’s first pitch of the game.

Drew feeling better

J.D. Drew, who hasn’t played since leaving the Aug. 17 game against Toronto in the fourth inning, reported that his ailing back felt better yesterday.

Drew is suffering from a herniated disk. He was placed on the disabled list Tuesday, retroactive to Aug. 18.

“He said he was really improved today,” said Francona. “He said it was the first day he was able to get across the clubhouse without a lot of pain.”

Drew is eligible to come off the DL on Tuesday, but Francona said the right fielder will have to participate in strengthening and agility drills before the trainers will permit him to return to action.

skrasner@projo.com