The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

While Boston placed Bartolo Colon on the 15-day DL because of lower back stiffness, they do expect Daisuke Matsuzaka to rejoin the rotation Saturday. Meanwhile, injured right-hander Curt Schilling was sent back to Boston for an examination with team doctors. Colon (4-2, 4.09 ERA) was injured Monday taking a swing during an at-bat against the Phillies. Colon left after five innings because of the stiffness.

"He has a history of issues, that's why we're being somewhat cautious," manager Terry Francona said before the Red Sox played the Phillies. "We would like to have him for the whole year and not just have him, but have him be productive and healthy." Boston recalled righty Chris Smith from Triple-A Pawtucket to take Colon's spot. Here's Chris Smith's stats

With Colon on his way out, Dice-K appears to be on his way in. Francona said Matsuzaka was set to start Saturday against St. Louis. Matsuzaka (8-0, 2.53 ERA) allowed two runs and three hits over five innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday night, his first game action since straining his rotator cuff last month.

Schilling is a whole different story. On the 60-day DL since spring training with shoulder weakness, Schilling will head back to Boston to have his shoulder examined by medical director Dr. Thomas Gill. Francona said Schilling had reached a "little bit a plateau" in his recovery.
"It's been a frustrating week for him," Francona said.