Mike Napoli, Red Sox agree to deal

ESPN Boston:  The Boston Red Sox on Monday agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract with free-agent first baseman/catcher Mike Napoli, pending a physical, a baseball source with direct knowledge of the negotiations told ESPNDallas.com.

Napoli a Fan of Fenway

Why do the Red Sox like Mike Napoli? His career numbers at Fenway Park, where he is 19-for-62 with 7 homers and 4 doubles in 74 plate appearances, seem to tell the story.

Mike Napoli, career by ballpark

Category	Fenway Park	Other
BA	.306	.257
Slug pct	.710	.501
ISO	.404	.244
PA/HR	10.4	18.6
-- ESPN Stats & Information

Napoli, who visited Boston late last month, is expected to play primarily at first base for the Red Sox.

Napoli's physical will take place Wednesday, a source said, and his signing likely will be announced at week's end.

He was identified early on as a logical target to fill the Red Sox's need at first and gives the club another option behind the plate if general manager Ben Cherington elects to shop Jarrod Saltalamacchia at the winter meetings. But Saltalamacchia sounded confident Saturday that he is very much a part of the team's plans moving forward, and a baseball source said Monday that he has gotten no indication that the Sox intend to move Saltalamacchia.

Napoli has never played more than 70 games at first base, which he did in 2010, when the Angels'Kendrys Morales fractured his leg in a freak accident and Napoli was pressed into duty as a replacement.

"It is my expectation that he is going to be a right-handed power bat in the middle of their lineup," Napoli's agent, Brian Grieper, said Monday. "As far as position, that is up to the Red Sox."

This past season, Napoli caught 72 games for the Rangers, but the most he has caught in his career is 96 games (2009), and at age 31, he might be receptive to making a more permanent position switch to first base.

"I just want to play," Napoli recently told ESPNDallas.com. "I feel the most comfortable behind the plate because that's where most of my reps have been. Do I think I can be good at first base if I had reps and practiced it all the time? Yes. But it's not like I'm saying I have to be a catcher. I just want to be in the lineup and play. If it helps at catcher, I'll catch, or at first base, I'll play there. But I like catching. I look at myself as catcher."

NECBL Alum Carpenter Headed to Boston in Farrell Package

thevermontmountaineers.com:  October 21, 2012- WEEI reported that Toronto Blue Jay right hander David Carpenter was to be included as compensation in the deal that sends Boston Red Sox shortstop Mike Aviles to Toronto and Toronto manager John Farrell to the Olde Town Team.

This is the second blockbuster deal that has involved Carpenter, a 2005 Vermont Mountaineer, in the last three months. Carpenter was involved in the 10-player trade between Houston and Toronto on July 20th in which the former Astro moved north of the border.

Carpenter made his Big League debut for Houston on June 30, 2011. As an Astro, the Morgantown WV-native and West Virginia Mountaineer had a 4.55 ERA in 64 games. He saved one, striking out 56 in 57.2 innings.

When the St. Louis Cardinals selected Carpenter in the 12th round of the 2006 Draft, he was a catcher. The summer before, suiting up for Vermont, Carpenter hit just .131 but he threw out 30% of would be base runners and fielded at a .960 clip. For more on Carpenter’s time in the NECBL, please see the exclusive interview he gave NECBL.com last year:

http://www.necbl.com/view/necbl/news/news_29818

Carpenter joins three other NECBL graduates on the Red Sox 40-man roster: catcher Ryan Lavarnway, fellow righty Andrew Bailey and left handed pitcher Craig Breslow.

Jasper's thoughts:  "Great to see former Mountaineers on the Sox roster!"

Red Sox close to two-year deal with Ortiz

redsox.com:  BOSTON -- The Red Sox are on the verge of signing David Ortiz to a contract that will keep him in a Boston uniform for two more years, a source has confirmed.

The deal is for $26 million guaranteed with incentives that could push the deal to $30 million. The contract is expected to be announced soon, pending a physical.

As a precautionary measure, Boston made a qualifying offer of $13.3 million to Ortiz on Friday, guaranteeing the club will receive Draft compensation if the slugger signs with another team.

"Well, we're working on it," said general manager Ben Cherington on WEEI's Hot Stove program on Thursday night. "We've been talking to David since the end of the season, and it's been a good conversation. Everyone knows that we'd like to keep him, and I think there's mutual interest. And we've had a lot of talks, and we've made up some ground in some areas, but we still have some work to do."

The Red Sox didn't make qualifying offers to any of their other six-year free agents, a group that includes Cody Ross, Daisuke Matsuzaka, James Loney, Vicente Padilla and Scot Podsednik.

While Ortiz has played on one-year contracts the past two seasons, the sides have been trying to hammer out a multi-year deal.

"We'll keep working on it," Cherington said. "If we get past tomorrow night, we'll continue to work on it. We remain hopeful that we'll keep him in a Red Sox uniform next year."

Last year, Ortiz accepted Boston's offer of arbitration and nearly went to a hearing before the sides agreed to a one-year deal in February.

Things should happen at a much swifter pace this year, thanks to the new rules in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Under the new system, six-year free agents aren't eligible for arbitration. Ortiz has until 5 p.m. on Wednesday to accept the qualifying offer. If he declines, the sides can continue to try to work out a deal.

Jasper's thoughts:  "Having Ortiz back next year would be good news for the Red Sox."

Sox officially activate Bard, demote Stewart

ESPN Boston:  The Red Sox officially welcomed Daniel Bard back to the big leagues, adding him to the 25-man active roster before Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif.

To make room on the roster, the Sox sent Wednesday's starter, Zach Stewart, back to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Bard was demoted to Pawtucket on June 5 after struggling as a starter.

"I'm a reliever," the 27-year-old right-hander said Wednesday. "I think that's all I know right now."

Josh Reddick glad to leave Red Sox

ESPN Boston:  OAKLAND -- As Josh Reddick watched from afar all that went on with the Boston Red Sox this season, he was sure of one thing.

"I'm happy to be here and not there," the A's outfielder said Friday night, before the first game of a three-game series against the Red Sox, who dealt him to Oakland last December in the Andrew Bailey trade.

Reddick was a particularly interested observer as he took note of the turmoil in the Boston clubhouse this summer, involving controversy and conflict with manager Bobby Valentine.

"I don't know what to think of all that," Reddick said. "That's their issue and I'm not going to poke fingers at somebody just because they are having struggles. Not everyone gets along with everyone they play for."

The contrast between the clubhouses in Boston and Oakland has been dramatic, as you would probably expect.

"This one is a lot more open," Reddick said. "It's a lot louder. It was more old-fashioned, with the veteran guys over there. The young guys didn't say a whole lot. Here we have guys like veterans like Brandon Inge or Jonny Gomes and young guys that just got called up, and we all seem to run free and do our own thing.

Lester: 'I love Boston, very happy here'

ESPN Boston:  BOSTON -- Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester took to Twitter Wednesday night to respond to comments made during a sports radio talk show that he was unhappy in Boston and would benefit from a trade. 

"Guys, I love Boston, very happy here," tweeted Lester, who uses JLester31 as his Twitter handle. "Nothing better than playing for the @RedSox, hope to be here for my entire career." 

Veteran baseball reporter Peter Gammons had contended during an appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub that Lester was unhappy and that a trade would be in his best interests. 

"I just sense that Jon is so unhappy here that I’m sure it would be good for him," Gammons said regarding a potential trade of Lester. "The question is how would the team survive without the hope of having Jon Lester go out and win 10 games in the second half of the season?" 

Lester also took to Twitter on Wednesday to respond to some of his critics, those Sox fans unhappy with his first half 4.49 ERA and 5-6 record. He responded to them both individually and with this general message: 

 "A lot of u have some harsh things to say. No one is more disappointed w/ how the 1st half of the season went than us. That's why we *#NVRQT"

Big Papi notches 400th career homer

:  OAKLAND --- The Red Sox clubhouse was mostly quiet following Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics. But the action on David Ortiz's phone provided an indication that at least something special happened.

Ortiz swatted career home run No. 400 in the top of the fourth inning. And Big Papi's friends from around the league -- and there are many -- chimed in via text or voicemail.

"Oh yeah, my phone is still blowing up," said Ortiz. "I'd say around 30, 40 [messages], something like that. They're still kicking in."

His shot down the right-field line, which came against A's right-hander A.J. Griffin, tied the game at 1.

"It was in a big situation to tie the game," Ortiz said. "A lot of people were expecting that. It was just very exciting."

Few people could have expected it when the Minnesota Twins released Ortiz following the 2002 season, and anyone could have signed him. The Red Sox were the team that showed the initiative, and they've been reaping the benefits ever since.

"He was the guy that bounced around a little bit and then went to Boston and found a home -- it's an inspirational story," said A's outfielder Brandon Moss, who used to play with Ortiz in Boston. "You look at the career he ended up having, and this isn't his last year. He's just an amazing person, and he's fun to watch hit, whether you're playing with him or against him."

When Ortiz crossed home plate, he got a hug from Adrian Gonzalez, who was in the on-deck circle. Dustin Pedroia and Cody Ross were among the first players to greet him on the top step of the dugout.

"It was awesome," said Ross. "It seems like every pitch he's got that chance to do it. As soon as it went in the air, it was just a sigh of relief, for him especially to get that weight off his shoulders. I'm just so happy for him and proud."

Jasper's thoughts:  "Did you know that David Ortiz, Carl Yastrzemski, and Ted Williams all hit their 400th homerun against the A's in July?  That is quite coincidence!

Changing Sox: Youkilis traded to Chicago

:  BOSTON -- Kevin Youkilis' Red Sox career ended Sunday at the spot he last called his own as a member of the Red Sox -- third base at Fenway Park.

Youkilis' final act with the only Major League organization he has known was a seventh-inning triple to right-center field, a knock he legged out with an extra gear in his final paces before -- what else -- getting dirty. There at the bag, Nick Punto pinch-ran and Youkilis walked off to a sold-out crowd's standing ovation and one last curtain call -- his farewell to the fans who adored him for almost every day of nine seasons and two World Series rings.

Youkilis was traded after a 9-4 win over the Braves to the White Sox for 28-year-old utility player Brent Lillibridge and 25-year-old righty Zach Stewart. Boston also sent about $5.6 million to the White Sox to cover the roughly $8 million Youkilis is still owed for this season.

"He's given everything he has in every game he's ever put on the Red Sox uniform," said Dustin Pedroia, a face of the team as Youkilis once was. "It's sad."

Youkilis traded: Complete coverage •   White Sox acquire Youkilis from Red Sox  •   Changing Sox: Youkilis dealt  •   Heir apparent handed reins in Boston  •   Justice: Trade works for all involved  •   Red Sox players say Youk will be missed  •   Youkilis' bio, statistics   Youk's final Red Sox at-bat  White Sox react to trade  Cherington discusses deal  Red Sox react to trade  Valentine on Youk's ovation  Williams discusses Youkilis trade  Lillibridge on being traded  Ventura on Youkilis trade

Youkilis was not in the clubhouse after the game and the nameplate above his locker had already been removed. Before the send-off, it was clear the 33-year-old's time here had run its course. Rookie Will Middlebrooks had taken Youkilis' at-bats, and the relationship between Youkilis and manager Bobby Valentine was deteriorating. While general manager Ben Cherington said the situation had not become untenable, Youkilis had expressed how unhappy he was with the team's lack of communication on Saturday.

Cherington said Sunday Youkilis knew for some time that trade talks were under way.

"You definitely had all the ups and downs," Youkilis said the day before of his time here. "I probably could describe it to you 10 years down the road better. When you're in it, you can't really describe the stuff you're in. Somebody is going to have to remind me. ... You see it all. To be continued, shall we say."

Jasper's thoughts:   "It's sad to see youk go, but it was also time for him to leave, with Middebrooks up the way he is, there was no room for Kevin [Youkilis] on the roster."

Youk: 'I was never told what's going on'

ESPN Boston:  BOSTON -- Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis is clearly not happy with the fact that he's out of the lineup for the third consecutive game Saturday. 

He also made it a point to tell a group of reporters that he's healthy. 

"You want to play. I definitely want to play the game and enjoy it and have fun," Youkilis said. "I don't know my situation. To be honest, I was never told what's going on here -- let's get that straight." 

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said Friday he spoke with Youkilis, but the veteran infielder debunked that notion. 

"There was no conversation and I'll leave it at that," Youkilis said. "I don't want to start up anything, but there was no conversation. But it has been addressed. ... It's been addressed that I'm not playing today. Basically, there was no conversation about it and I'm just coming in here and getting my work done. If I need to pinch-hit and play the game, I'll come in and play." 

There's been serious speculation that the Red Sox are about to trade Youkilis, and there are a few teams interested in the veteran. Youkilis does not want to talk about the situation. 

"I have no thoughts on anything and I haven't been told anything, so until I'm told anything I can't really respond," Youkilis said. 

This is the first time in his career he's really had to think about the possibility of a trade. 

"It's definitely different and you've just got to go day to day," he said. "It's definitely unknown waters, but all you can do is come to the field and do your work and try to improve."

David Ortiz tired of negative reports

ESPN Boston:  BOSTON -- In an odd and unusual tirade, Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz told reporters Thursday that there's too much media-driven drama surrounding the club, and people should leave the players alone and let them concentrate on playing baseball.

"It's starting to become the s--- hole that it used to be," Ortiz said. "Look around, bro. Playing here used to be so much fun, and now every day it's something new not even related to baseball. People need to leave us alone and let us play ball, man, and let us do what we know how to do."

In his blog on Monday, ESPN baseball insider Buster Olney wrote that an "unhappiness that exists among the Boston players and staff is multi-layered and deep." Red Sox players have denied the report's characterization of the clubhouse.

The source of Ortiz's frustration stems from all the "media drama" surrounding this team, and he admitted that he's not having fun.

"Not really," he said. "Too much (s---). Too much (s---). This ain't all about me. I'm not just the only player here. We have 25 guys who care just as much as I care about playing ball here and providing winning ballgames, and it seems like there's something new every day about players. People need to leave us alone and let us play ball."

Jasper's Thoughts:  "I think that David [Ortiz] is getting really steamed over a whole-lot-of-nothing.  If he would just do his own thing, and play baseball, everything would be fine."

Pedroia, Sox hope thumb injury isn't serious

:  BOSTON -- Considering all that Dustin Pedroia means to the Red Sox, it is concerning whenever he leaves a game with an injury.

But after Tuesday night's 7-5 win against the Marlins, Pedroia was hopeful he didn't suffer a significant setback with the right thumb injury that knocked him out of six games in late May and early June.

After being jammed on a foulout to first in the bottom of the seventh inning on Tuesday, Pedroia shook his right hand and then went through the dugout and straight to the clubhouse.

Jasper's thoughts:  "It would be really tough to loose Pedroia, even when he's not doing well, it would take a lot of punch out of the Red Sox's lineup."

Dice-K set for Saturday return vs. Nationals

redsox.com:  BOSTON -- The return of Daisuke Matsuzaka is set for Saturday, as the right-hander will take Daniel Bard's spot in the rotation for a start against the Washington Nationals.

Matsuzaka's return to the rotation will come one day short of his one-year anniversary of undergoing Tommy John ligament transfer surgery.

"Yeah, he was in today -- says he feels fine," said manager Bobby Valentine. "Unless something changes, we'll try to activate him and try to pitch him on Saturday. Obviously we'll wait until that day comes around [to make it official]."

Jasper's thoughts:  "Great to see Dice-K back at the big league level!"

Avery Bradley's postseason is over

ESPN Boston:  WALTHAM, Mass. -- Celtics second-year shooting guard Avery Bradley will undergo surgery Friday to repair small tears in his left shoulder and miss the remainder of the postseason.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said the surgery will be performed by team doctor Brian McKeon. The Celtics play host to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Saturday (ABC, 8 p.m. ET).

"It's disappointing," Rivers said of losing Bradley. "Obviously when a player goes down, that's disappointing, especially on what Avery has given us this year. His growth this year has been terrific, and it's been great, and he's become a very valuable piece to our basketball team."

A league source told ESPNBoston.com on Thursday that Bradley is looking at a four-month rehab, and that the team hopes he will be able to participate in training camp.

Rivers acknowledged the weight of losing Bradley, particularly on the defensive end and, according to ESPN Stats & Information, his absence will take away the Celtics' best five-man lineup this postseason: When Bradley, Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, Brandon Bass and Kevin Garnett have been on the court together, the Celtics have outscored opponents by 53 points. Their next best lineup has outscored opponents by only 18 points (Ray Allen, Garnett, Pierce, Rondo and Mickael Pietrus).

Jasper's thoughts:  "Tough to loose Bradley, he was the center of a lot of the Celtics' defensive punch, and he was great on offense as well."

Red Sox 6, Orioles 5

Associated Press

BALTIMORE -- Daniel Nava and Kelly Shoppach hit sixth-inning homers to turn a tie game in Boston's favor, and the Red Sox withstood two home runs by Nick Johnson in a 6-5 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday.

Scott Podsednik also homered for the Red Sox, who climbed back to .500 (22-22) with their 10th win in 13 games. Boston took two of three from the Orioles, who were seeking to win a fourth straight series against the Red Sox for the first time since 1960.

It was 2-all in the sixth before Nava, the No. 7 hitter in the order, drove a 2-0 pitch from Jake Arreita (2-5) over the right-field wall. Podsednik followed with a single, and No. 9 hitter Shoppach greeted Luis Ayala with a drive to left.

Red Sox swat four homers, halt Phils' win streak

redsox.com:  PHILADELPHIA -- Citizens Bank Park has long played like an American League park, and the Red Sox hit four more home runs Saturday in a 7-5 win over the Phillies. That gave Boston seven through the first two games of the series, which the teams have split.

"We're a good-hitting team," said catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who singled, doubled and homered a night after receiving 12 stitches in his left ear. "They're a really good pitching staff. It can go either way just as easy as that. We swung the bats well and didn't miss any pitches and just kept going."

They can play some National League-ball, too, those Red Sox. They turned in some of their finest defensive work of the season, even with their regular designated hitter at first base and their first baseman at right field.

Oh Darn! Red Sox drop 17-inning marathon

redsox.com:  BOSTON -- By the end of a wild Sunday at Fenway Park, the Red Sox were simply out of pitchers. So position player Darnell McDonald tried to act like one and give his team an uplifting end to a tough homestand.

Darnell McDonald

It was not to be. Adam Jones belted a three-run homer off McDonald -- the ninth pitcher of the day for Boston -- lifting Baltimore to a 9-6 victory in 17 innings.

Fenway Park, which is celebrating birthday No. 100 this season, has probably never seen a game quite like this.

The teams combined to use 18 pitchers, a Fenway record. Not only was a position player (McDonald) the losing pitcher, but a position player (Chris Davis) was the winning pitcher. Davis became the first American League position player to win a game since Rocky Colavito did so for the Yankees in 1968.  By Ian Browne / MLB.com

Jasper's thoughts:  "Well this was a tough loss, you would always like to take the rubber game of the series, especially when you're trying to avoid a sweep.  when Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine put in Darnell McDonald as a pitcher, you knew that he wasn't worried about getting the win.  There was no point in putting a starter in the game at that point, because it would screw up the rotation for the rest of the week, and maybe beyond that.  McDonald was not a very good pitcher to say the least."

Mariano: 'I'm not going down like this'

Mariano Rivera

yankees.com:  KANSAS CITY -- Hold the music on "Exit Sandman." Mariano Rivera's right knee injury may be season-ending, but he vows it will not end his career.

Rivera, the game's all-time saves leader, tore the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee on Thursday. He said on Friday that he plans to do everything in his power to come back for another season.

"I'm coming back," Rivera said. "Write it down in big letters. I'm not going down like this. God willing and given the strength, I'm coming back." By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com

Jasper's thoughts:  "I think that is really tough for both the Yankees and Mo.  I have tremendous respect for Mariano Rivera, and I am sad to see his season end like this."

Cook to start Saturday in place of Beckett

redsox.com:  BOSTON -- The Red Sox aren't letting right-hander Aaron Cook leave the organization.

On the day Cook could choose to request his release, Sox manager Bobby Valentine said Wednesday that Cook will make his first big league appearance of the year on Saturday as a starter, in place of Josh Beckett, who has lat tightness.

Valentine didn't say which side was bothering Beckett during his WEEI radio interview.  By Evan Drellich / MLB.com

Jasper's thoughts:  "It's smart to give Cook a chance as a starter.  Bobby V. needs to give im a chance, he's done very well at AAA, and of one of our starters gets hurt, Cook is our next best starter.  For that reason, we wouldn't want him opting out of his contract."

Red Sox promote top prospect Middlebrooks

Will Middlebrooks

redsox.com:  BOSTON -- Boston's top prospect has been called up to the Majors and will make his Fenway Park debut Wednesday night.

Will Middlebrooks, a 23-year-old third baseman with power, was added to the 25-man roster on Wednesday, manager Bobby Valentine said during his weekly radio spot with WEEI in Boston. Kevin Youkilis, the team's regular at the hot corner and a Red Sox mainstay, has not played in the past three games because of back tightness.

Lars Anderson was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket to make room on the roster. Middlebrooks will be in the starting lineup Wednesday for the Red Sox, who will face the A's in the rubber match of a three-game series at 7:10 p.m. ET.   By Evan Drellich / MLB.com

Jasper's thoughts:  "The Sox are going to need Middlebrooks down the stretch.  Youk has been having   bad injury problems lately, and if those continue, The veteran third basemen could be traded by the deadline."

Bergeron sits out practice

ESPN Boston:   WILMINGTON, Mass. -- Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron (upper-body injury) was the only player to miss practice Tuesday at Ristuccia Arena, but afterward coach Claude Julien made it clear the team’s assistant captain will be in the lineup for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday at TD Garden. 

Bergeron suffered the injury in Game 5. He played the entire Game 6, but was moved to the wing because he was not 100 percent healthy enough to handle faceoffs. 

“He played last game and he’s playing next game,” Julien said. “I don’t know how much clearer I can get -- he’s playing.”

Jasper's thoughts:   "It is critical to have Bergeron in the lineup for game 7.  It should be a show down in Boston for the game on Wednesday night.

Fenway birthday adds to Red Sox-Yanks rivalry

redsox.com

BOSTON -- It is going to be the type of centennial bash that perhaps only two great rivals can truly appreciate. To play for the Red Sox and the Yankees, you have to know about all the great moments that came before you, both recently and decades ago.

The spectacle will occur on Friday, when fabled Fenway Park celebrates its 100th birthday with a pregame ceremony that should be for the ages, not to mention the first rivalry matchup of 2012.

However, once the field clears and the all-time Red Sox greats move to luxury boxes or the stands, the players on both sides will be focused on important business.

Red Sox option Melancon, promote Tazawa

Mark Melancon

redsox.com:  BOSTON -- When the Red Sox traded for Mark Melancon four months ago, they envisioned him as a possible ace setup man who could even serve as insurance at closer. Perhaps some of that will eventually come true, but the right-hander has hit a crisis point in his first couple of weeks of the season, and was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket before Wednesday night's game against the Rangers.

The Red Sox have summoned Japanese right-hander Junichi Tazawa from Pawtucket to take Melancon's spot on the roster.

Melancon was shelled by the Rangers on Tuesday, giving up four hits, six runs, two walks and three home runs while not retiring a batter.

The righty has pitched in four games and allowed at least one run in each of them, posting an ERA of 49.50 over two innings.

Last year, Melancon pitched in 71 games for the Astros, fashioning a 2.78 ERA while notching 20 saves.

Tazawa underwent Tommy John Surgery in 2010 and pitched most of last season in the Minors.

This year for Pawtucket, Tazawa didn't allow a run in his first four outings, walking two and striking out nine.

Valentine criticizes Youkilis, then apologizes

BOSTON—Kevin Youkilis' teammates came to his defense Monday after Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine questioned his commitment to the game and then apologized to his third baseman.

During an interview aired Sunday night on WHDH-TV, Valentine said he didn't think Youkilis was "as physically or emotionally into the game."

That drew a sharp response from Dustin Pedroia before Monday's 1-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

"I know he plays as hard as anybody I've ever seen in my life. I have his back and his teammates have his back," the second baseman said.

After the game, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez also supported his teammate.

"All you can do is tell Youk we love him. All it says is we have each others' backs," he said. "We're pulling for each other on the field and in the clubhouse. We've got a strong bond."

On Monday morning, Valentine said he apologized when Youkilis came into his office and asked for an explanation.

"I don't know if he accepted my apology," Valentine said. "It was sincere."

Jasper's thoughts:  "It's not good to have all of these bad feeling in the club house."

Early Setback

ESPN BOSTON -- Jacoby Ellsbury was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday because of a partially dislocated right shoulder, an injury the Boston Red Sox's All-Star center fielder suffered during Friday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park.

There was no timetable for how long Ellsbury, the runner-up in MVP voting last year, will be out of the lineup.

Preliminary reports suggested he could miss four to six weeks, but Boston manager Bobby Valentine said Saturday afternoon he wasn't going to speculate about the length of Ellsbury's absence.

Ellsbury placed on DL with subluxed shoulder

redsox.com:  BOSTON -- Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury has a subluxed right shoulder and was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday, a day after he was hurt making a takeout slide at second base.

Triple-A Pawtucket outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin was recalled in Ellsbury's place, but the plan is for Lin to be only a temporary fix. Cody Ross started in center Saturday afternoon.

No timetable was set for Ellsbury's return, but subluxations -- when the upper arm comes partially out of the shoulder socket beyond what is normal -- can typically take six to eight weeks to return, or more. The team should know more after further evaluations.

Fister headed to DL after left side injury

DETROIT (AP)—Detroit right-hander Doug Fister is heading to the disabled list after he left his first start of the season Saturday with a left side injury.

The Tigers announced after their 10-0 win over Boston that Fister will go on the 15-day DL Sunday, and the team will recall RHP Brayan Villarreal from Triple-A Toledo prior to the game.

The Tigers led 2-0 in the fourth inning Saturday when manager Jim Leyland and trainer Kevin Rand came out to the mound to check on Fister in the middle of an at-bat by Ryan Sweeney. Fister left with a left costochondral strain.

Duane Below came on in relief.

Fister allowed three hits in 3 2-3 innings. He walked one and struck out three.

Fister went 8-1 down the stretch after being traded to the Tigers from Seattle in a deadline deal last season. He dealt with a sore right middle finger during spring training.

It’s not clear who might take Fister’s place in the rotation. Drew Smyly won a spring training competition to be the fifth starter, beating out Below and a few other pitchers.

Bobby V. relishes being back in dugout

redsox.com: DETROIT -- Bobby Valentine got up early on Thursday morning and rode his bicycle from the team hotel to Comerica Park, where he was getting ready to manage his first regular-season game for the Boston Red Sox.

For Valentine, it marked his first game in a Major League dugout since 2002, the year his Mets' tenure ended.

"To tell you the truth, I had the same feeling that I think most of the guys have," Valentine said. "I talked to a lot of them at the hotel early and saw some of them here now. It's Opening Day. There's only one Opening Day. It's a very special day. Start of something new."

After ninth-inning rally, Sox edged by Tigers

redsox.com:  DETROIT -- The euphoria of a comeback by the Red Sox in the top of the ninth was quickly offset by the unsuccessful closing debut of Alfredo Aceves.

In Chapter 1 of 162, Boston suffered a gutwrenching 3-2 loss to the Tigers on Thursday which culminated with an RBI single by Austin Jackson with one out in the bottom of the ninth.

Jackson stung it down the line in left, out of the reach of diving third baseman Nick Punto.

With Andrew Bailey out for several months following right thumb surgery, Aceves was installed as Boston's closer on Wednesday.

A day later, the experiment opened with heartbreak.

The Tigers started the winning rally on a one-out single by Jhonny Peralta, which came against Mark Melancon. Alex Avila followed with a single to left, and on came Aceves.

After being overpowered by Justin Verlander over eight innings, the Red Sox, down 2-0, dug their way out against Tigers closer Jose Valverde in a stirring ninth-inning rally.

Dustin Pedroia started it with a double to right-center. Adrian Gonzalez lined an opposite-field single to left to put runners at the corners with nobody out. David Ortiz got his team within one on a sacrifice fly to center. Darnell McDonald, on as a pinch-runner for Gonzalez, stole second.

That gave Ryan Sweeney the chance to be a hero in his Red Sox debut, and he pummeled a 2-1 pitch off the wall in right for the game-tying triple.

Lester gave the Red Sox everything they hoped. The lefty went seven strong innings, scattering six hits and just one run. He walked three and struck out four, throwing 107 pitches.