Doug

Mirabelli

Mirabelli will miss a few games, but should be okay to catch Tim Wakefield’s next start. With the Red Sox opting not to call up a catcher in the meantime, Kevin Millar becomes Jason Varitek’s backup (yes, Shea Hillenbrand is a former catcher but the Red Sox don’t want him squatting with his knees). You don’t need us to tell you what that could do for Millar’s value in some leagues.

Mirabelli has yet to be used in the playoffs because Wakefield’s starts have been taken away from him.

That’d be a nice raise from the $865,000 he made last season. Still, Mirabelli might like the idea of getting more playing time elsewhere.

Manager Grady Little wants to get more at-bats for Mirabelli, rather than just having him catch Tim Wakefield. It’s not going to be a platoon with Jason Varitek by any means, and Mirabelli still won’t have any value, but Varitek owners should be aware he could see a few less at-bats.

Although the Red Sox added Andy Dominique to their 40-man roster, they intend to keep Mirabelli as Jason Varitek’s backup. They’ll also offer contracts to Byung-Hyun Kim, Scott Williamson and Trot Nixon prior to Saturday’s deadline. Scott Sauerbeck will be non-tendered. Decisions have yet to be made on Lou Merloni and Damian Jackson, but Merloni has the far better chance of returning.

“We’re hopeful he can catch Thursday,” manager Terry Francona said. “It doesn’t mean it’s going to happen, but we’re hoping.”

Mirabelli was hurt blocking at home plate on a play that ended the first inning. He stayed in to catch the second, but Javy Lopez pinch-hit for him in the third.

If Mirabelli needs a few days off, the Red Sox will probably have to send down a pitcher and recall Corky Miller. Ken Huckaby isn’t going to be eligible to return right away, but Miller is probably the better player anyway.

The Red Sox will have to call up a catcher, most likely Corky Miller, for Saturday’s game. How Mirabelli feels in the morning could determine whether he goes on the DL to open up a roster spot.

He’ll catch Curt Schilling and bat ninth.