BOSTON — Jason Varitek reported to the park yesterday afternoon, but was still ill. He is out of commission because of the flu bug that has knocked a few members of the Sox off their feet over the last week or so. It was the third straight game he has missed. Kevin Cash caught, because there was no one else.

The Red Sox began casting about for backup catching help yesterday when manager Terry Francona received the news about Josh Beckett’s stiff neck, which kept him from making the start last night. So, instead of promoting a catcher from Pawtucket to back up Cash, the red Sox had to call up a pitcher, which turned out to be David Pauley to start in place of Beckett. Joe Thurston (designated for assignment) was going to be the roster move anyway, but the Pauley-for-Thurston swap left Boston without a backup catcher.

If anything had happened to Cash, Francona said second baseman Dustin Pedroia would serve as the emergency catcher.

“He says he can go back there,” said Francona. “At this point, that’s good enough for me. We’ll get him some equipment that will fit him.”

Varitek isn’t the only member of the Sox who was instructed to stay out of the clubhouse for fear of contaminating anyone else. Strength and conditioning coach David Page is off his feet because of the bug, too.

Positive news from Crisp

Outfielder Coco Crisp, who hasn’t played since last Tuesday because of a strained hamstring, reported that he felt better. Francona said it’s possible Crisp could return to the starting lineup tomorrow against Angels left-hander Joe Saunders.

It is possible that, out of necessity, Crisp may be pressed into service because the Red Sox have a shortage of outfielders. Boston has three healthy outfielders — Manny Ramirez, Jacoby Ellsbury and J.D. Drew. The Sox had been using Thurston as the fourth outfielder since his recall from Pawtucket last week, but that lineup option for Francona disappeared when Thurston was designated for assignment.

Alex Cora, meanwhile, still is about a week away from being cleared to start throwing again. Cora has a right elbow strain. He took batting practice on the field this afternoon. Francona said the team will re-evaluate the utility infielder next Monday or Tuesday, after their road series this weekend against Tampa Bay.

skrasner@projo.com