Notes: Wells lands on disabled list

Halama in rotation, DiNardo recalled to fill bullpen void

BOSTON -- It turned out to be a fateful misstep David Wells took Monday night as he tried to field Javy Lopez's infield single. The Red Sox announced prior to Tuesday's game that Boomer was headed to the 15-day disabled list. He'll likely miss at least a month.

In a statement released by the Red Sox, medical director Dr. Thomas Gill said Wells has a sprained foot.

"He will benefit from a period of rest and rehabilitation," said Gill. "Currently, there is no exact timeframe for his return. We expect him to be able to maintain his fitness activities and baseball training throughout the period of his rehab."

Wells was taken to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center after being removed from Monday's game, and returned later that night with a boot on his right foot. Initially, the Sox diagnosed it as a sprain.

One of the reasons the Sox signed Wells off the free agent market was his durability. Though he's had back problems during his career, Wells made 30-plus starts in eight of the last nine seasons.

Given Tuesday's news, Wells will be hard-pressed to make that many starts in 2005, which will also cost him quite a bit of money. Wells signed an incentive-laden, two-year deal that guaranteed him $4 million per season. However, that figure jumps to $9 million if Wells makes at least 31 starts.

With Wells out of the mix for the foreseeable future, left-handed swing man John Halama will start on Tuesday against the Tigers. Left-hander Lenny DiNardo was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket to take Wells' spot on the roster and Halama's spot in the bullpen.

There's a chance Halama will only be in the rotation for one start, as right-hander Wade Miller continues to make progress in his rehab. Miller will pitch Thursday for Triple-A Pawtucket and probably make at least one Minor League start after that.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona felt fortunate to have a veteran like Halama, who has made 114 starts in his career, waiting in the wings.

"That's part of the reason he's here," said Francona. "He's such a good guy to have around. And he'll never turn the ball down, ever."

Miller time the same: The Red Sox won't rush Miller back, simply because Wells is out for a while. Miller is coming off a frayed rotator cuff, and the Sox would never do anything to jeopardize all the progress he's made in his rehab.

"This guy has a chance to be too good," said Francona. "When he pitches [for the Sox], he'll be ready, regardless of what happens here."

Mueller back: Third baseman Bill Mueller, who was out of the starting lineup six out of the last seven games dealing with a severe case of the flu, made his return Tuesday night. Mueller did pinch-hit on Monday night, striking out in the ninth inning.

"After he got loose, it kind of seemed like it made sense to get him an at-bat just to get the blood flowing and get him back in the batter's box. So hopefully it will help him out tonight," Francona said.

Foulke rested and ready: There won't be many instances this season when the Sox go four consecutive games without using closer Keith Foulke. But that is precisely what took place after Foulke saved last Wednesday's 1-0 game for Matt Clement.

The Sox simply got into a run of games where the situation never called for Foulke. Francona said the reliever has compensated by doing extra work on the side.

Mantei good to go: The good news on the injury front was that reliever Matt Mantei's sprained left ankle -- sustained Monday night -- does not appear to be serious.

"He's fine," said Francona. "I don't know if that means he'll pitch [Tuesday], but he's fine. He came through it pretty well and he'll be all right."

On deck: Veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (2-0, 1.75 ERA) closes out this three-game series against the Orioles in Wednesday's 1:05 p.m. ET contest at Fenway. Daniel Cabrera (1-1, 7.65 ERA) will pitch for the O's.