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NEW YORK -- Right-hander Jonathan Papelbon, who had a strong rookie season as Red Sox closer before an injury to his right shoulder, said Friday that he plans to return to Boston's starting rotation next season.
Papelbon, speaking to reporters prior to the announcement that the Red Sox-Yankees series opener at Yankee Stadium had been postponed, said he would not pitch again this season after he was sidelined Sept. 5 when he was diagnosed with a tired shoulder -- technically, a "transient subluxation event" -- but not the torn labrum that he feared.
Manager Terry Francona has said there was no concern that the injury will linger into the 2007 season. Starting next season in the rotation as opposed to the bullpen would allow Papelbon, who made three starts as a rookie in 2005, to regulate his workload.
An AL rookie of the year candidate, Papelbon had 35 saves in 41 opportunities this season. He is 4-2 with a 0.92 ERA.
His inclusion among the staff would give the Red Sox a rotation of Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, Papelbon and Tim Wakefield. Boston has run the gamut of No. 5 starters this season, partly due to injury and performance, and losing Papelbon would force the Red Sox to look elsewhere for a closer.
Keith Foulke, Boston's stopper for their run to the 2004 World Series title, is under contract in 2007 and remains an option. Eric Gagne, Octavio Dotel, Danys Baez and Scott Williamson are among those closers or former closers who will be available in free agency.
Daylong rain caused Friday night's game between Boston and New York to be called off. The teams will make it up Sunday as part of their second straight day-night doubleheader. The Yankees and the Red Sox already had been scheduled for a split doubleheader Saturday to make up a June 7 rainout.
The Yankees would clinch their ninth straight AL East title by winning three of four from the Red Sox, coupled with a Toronto loss.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Papelbon, speaking to reporters prior to the announcement that the Red Sox-Yankees series opener at Yankee Stadium had been postponed, said he would not pitch again this season after he was sidelined Sept. 5 when he was diagnosed with a tired shoulder -- technically, a "transient subluxation event" -- but not the torn labrum that he feared.
Manager Terry Francona has said there was no concern that the injury will linger into the 2007 season. Starting next season in the rotation as opposed to the bullpen would allow Papelbon, who made three starts as a rookie in 2005, to regulate his workload.
An AL rookie of the year candidate, Papelbon had 35 saves in 41 opportunities this season. He is 4-2 with a 0.92 ERA.
His inclusion among the staff would give the Red Sox a rotation of Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, Papelbon and Tim Wakefield. Boston has run the gamut of No. 5 starters this season, partly due to injury and performance, and losing Papelbon would force the Red Sox to look elsewhere for a closer.
Keith Foulke, Boston's stopper for their run to the 2004 World Series title, is under contract in 2007 and remains an option. Eric Gagne, Octavio Dotel, Danys Baez and Scott Williamson are among those closers or former closers who will be available in free agency.
Daylong rain caused Friday night's game between Boston and New York to be called off. The teams will make it up Sunday as part of their second straight day-night doubleheader. The Yankees and the Red Sox already had been scheduled for a split doubleheader Saturday to make up a June 7 rainout.
The Yankees would clinch their ninth straight AL East title by winning three of four from the Red Sox, coupled with a Toronto loss.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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