TIMLIN

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Veteran reliever Mike Timlin was forced to cut his batting-practice throwing session short yesterday because of tightness in his lower back on the left side.

Timlin felt the discomfort on one pitch and then threw another, but realized he shouldn’t continue.

“I just cramped up,” said Timlin. “I threw another pitch and it was still there, so I shut it down.”

Timlin didn’t seem to think the problem would keep him out of action for long, but the Sox will reevaluate the situation this morning. Of course, Timlin is well aware that every ache and pain is going to be associated with his advanced baseball age. The right-hander will turn 41 on March 10.

“Just an old guy starting to fall apart,” deadpanned Timlin. “It (talk of his age) is really going to crop up now. It’s just part of it and I have to deal with it. It’s like air — it’s there.”

Timlin, who struggled last year as he tried to battle through various injuries, has been mentioned as being a possibility for the closer’s role this season, along with Joel Pineiro, Brendan Donnelly and Julian Tavarez.

He said he would be happy to have the role.

“When you’re a relief pitcher, you want to do the job that is the pinnacle (for relievers), and to relief pitchers (closing) is considered to be the pinnacle. I will close. If the opportunity is there, I will take it.”

The run around

The Red Sox worked on rundowns yesterday, bringing in some minor-leaguers to do the running.

There was a new wrinkle to the process, involving the situation where two runners end up at the same base. The Sox simulated cutoff throws alternately to shortstops Julio Lugo and Alex Cora, putting the rundown in motion, with one runner retreating toward first base and, as he was being chased, the runner at second taking off for third.

Boston infielders also worked on the rundowns that could develop with two runners winding up at third base.

First baseman Kevin Youkilis and the rest of the infielders learned a new Japanese word during the rundown drills. If they want to get the attention of Japanese pitchers Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima, letting them know they should step off the rubber because a runner has taken off, they have to yell “hazuse.”

First things first

David Ortiz has been getting in some defensive work at first base, even though he’s not likely to play the position until June 18, when Boston visits Atlanta for the Sox’ first road interleague game.

The designated hitter is not used in the National League parks, so Ortiz can’t just throw away his first baseman’s glove. But he doesn’t have the same desire to play the position and be a full-time player as he did when he joined Boston in 2003.

“It’s all right,” said Ortiz of participating in fielding practice. “Some (DHs) just work in the cage in the spring. But I’m too young (31) for that. I’ll still take some grounders. Maybe when I’m old, I’ll just hit (in camp).”

What’s in the cards?

The TOPPS baseball card company representative visited the Sox clubhouse yesterday morning. A display of current cards was spread across a couple of shelves, including an interesting Derek Jeter card.

In the card, through advances in technology, TOPPS has added Mickey Mantle, holding his baseball bat, in the Yankee dugout behind Jeter. President George W. Bush has been added, standing in an aisle in the stands, clearly visible behind Jeter.

Around the bases

Manager Terry Francona was absent from the ballpark because of a relapse of the stomach flu that had been plaguing him. It was the second time in three days Francona was unable to run the workouts. … Bench coach Brad Mills was in charge. He had been in contact with Francona via phone calls and text messages. … Right-hander Craig Hansen missed his third straight workout because of lower back stiffness, but it’s possible he could be cleared to return today. He’s behind the other pitchers, each of whom has thrown at least one batting practice session. Pitching coach John Farrell said Hansen would have to have a solid bullpen session before being allowed to throw BP. … Following Curt Schilling to the mound in Wednesday night’s exhibition season opener at home against Minnesota will be all four closer candidates — Timlin (if he’s able), Tavarez, Pineiro and Donnelly – along with J.C. Romero, Brian Corey and Runelvys Hernandez.

skrasner@projo.com