--RHP Justin Masterson earned his first career relief win after throwing two perfect innings in Wednesday afternoon's win at Fenway Park. Masterson is 1-1 with a 2.28 ERA in 19 games out of the bullpen since making the transition to relief on July 23. He has become one of manager Terry Francona's go-to guys out of the bullpen. Overall, the 23-year-old right-hander is 5-4 with a 3.24 ERA.

--OF J.D. Drew has shown gradual improvement since taking an epidural shot in his lower back last week, but the right fielder isn't expected to make his return this weekend against the Rangers. Drew has been out of the lineup since leaving a game on Aug. 17 with tightness in his lower back, but he has resumed hitting in the indoor batting cage. As with many of the injured, expect the Sox to take their time in activating Drew from the 15-day disabled list with an eye on getting their roster healthy for the postseason.

--1B Kevin Youkilis has missed four of the past five games due to illness and lower back spasms, but club officials are hopeful he will be ready to go this weekend against the Rangers. With a pair of missed games and Thursday's off day, the assumption is that Youkilis' balky back will be ready for game action, but the Sox also won't be rushing any players back into the lineup. If Youkilis is unable to play Friday, look for Sean Casey or Mark Kotsay to get the start at first base.

BY THE NUMBERS: 2.21 -- the ERA of RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka in five starts this season against the likely playoff offenses in Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Chicago and Los Angeles.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We put it off because everybody is scared at some point, both me and the organization. I just wanted to -- and not that I think Dr. Andrews is a clown, because there's no one that I respect more -- but I just wanted to hear it from the clown's mouth, as the saying goes." -- RHP Josh Beckett, talking about the relief after getting a clean medical report on his right elbow from Dr. James Andrews.