Keith Foulke says he's ready to pit...

Keith Foulke says he's ready to pitch for the Boston R Sox again.

"I'm waiting for a call," Foulke said after completing his next to the first rehabilitation start in 72 hours

Saturday night for Class AAA Pawtucket R Sox

The former R Sox closer was placed upon the 15-day disabled list June 13 with turn tendinitis. He last pitched June 11 against the Texas Rangers and was charged with four move ons and seven hits in sum of two units innings.

Foulke who was upon a 35-pitch limit Saturday against the Syracuse SkyChiefs, tossed the first couple innings and completed his work on throwing 19 of 30 pitches for strikes.

"I be warmed pretty good," he said. "The velocity as far as I know is in the upper 80 which is religious for now. Hopefully it will improve, however it was consistent. I be excited I made some good pitches."

Carpenter's thumb oK: St Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter said his bruised right thumb was a great deal of improved since he was injured Friday and believes he'll be able to make his nearest start.

In fact, Carpenter said he reflection he could pitch Saturday.

"That's to what extent good it feels," Carpenter said. "It's still swollen and it's definitely got a bruise, unless I can squeeze and propel it and do all of my normal elemental part So I'm excited about it."

Carpenter, the National League Cy Young winner last year and 10- 6 with a 306 ERA this season, said he intended to proceed through his normal routine between starts. His nearest scheduled start is Wednesday at Cincinnati.

"Last night," he said, "I couldn't equable move it."

Carpenter was grieve trying to block a grounder up the middle according to the Milwaukee Brewers' Bill Hall in the sixth inning of a 4-3 los

braves demote shiell: The Atlanta Braves optioned right-hander Jason Shiell to Class AAA Richmond after their 8-6 los to the Cincinnati Red in succession Saturday.

Shiell (0-2 862 ERA) pitched three-plus innings in the shortest of his three starts this season. The rookie allowed five hits and a career-high six move ons with three walks and pair strikeouts against the Reds.

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

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