Robert Manuel’s next pitch will likely be in the minors, despite throwing 2 2/3 scoreless innings out of the bullpen against the Texas Rangers on Thursday.
The Red Sox optioned the right-hander to Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday and called up another right-handed pitcher, Fernando Cabrera.
Cabrera, wearing No. 53, is active for Friday’s game against the Rangers and will provide an extra arm to a Red Sox bullpen that was used extensively the day before.
Starter Tim Wakefield only lasted two innings, giving up seven runs (six earned) on eight hits in his second consecutive shaky outing. Manuel and three others — Dustin Richardson, Scott Atchison and Ramon Ramirez — combined to record the final 21 outs without allowing a run.
Cabrera is 0-3 with a 3.50 ERA in 33 appearances for Triple-A Pawtucket this season. He has saved 13 games in 16 chances, and his 12.5 strikeouts per nine innings leads all Triple-A pitchers with at least 35 innings of work. Cabrera has been particularly effective lately, holding opponents scoreless in 10 of his last 11 appearances.
Though Cabrera has yet to pitch in the majors this season, he has pitched in 131 games in his major league career, posting an 8-7 record with a 5.12 ERA.
Cabrera appeared in six games for the Red Sox last season, giving up five runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings of work.
To make room for Cabrera, the Red Sox transferred right-hander Josh Beckett to the 60-day disabled list.
Beckett has been on the disabled list with a lower back strain since May 19 and is in the midst of a rehab assignment with Pawtucket. He is scheduled to pitch Saturday versus Syracuse.
