Papelbon hopes to return from shoulder strain in week

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BOSTON -- Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon hopes to return in a week after walking off the mound with a muscle strain in his right shoulder on Friday night.

Jonathan Papelbon

Relief Pitcher Boston Red Sox Profile

2006 SEASON STATISTICS GM W L BB K ERA 59 4 2 13 75 0.92

Papelbon, attempting his 36th save of the season, felt a burning sensation in his shoulder during the 2-1 win over Toronto. He expects to have an MRI Monday.

"Best case scenario, I'll be back in five, six or seven days," he said before Boston's 5-1 loss to the Blue Jays on Saturday. "It just feels weak and fatigued. I'm going to try and stay positive, hopefully I can pitch in a week or so."

Papelbon has converted 35 of 41 save opportunities, third-best among rookies in the major league history.

Papelbon ran into trouble in the ninth on Friday, leaving with runners at second and third and one out. He was replaced by lefty Craig Breslow, who was called up from Triple-A Pawtucket earlier Friday.

Breslow and Mike Timlin closed out Boston's win, its second straight over the Blue Jays.

Asked if it felt any better before Saturday's game, he said: "A little bit , not a whole lot. I'm still trying to get juiced back up."

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press

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