May 11, 2004

#5 -- Kim Out, Arroyo In. After his failed start last night, Byung Hyun Kim has been replaced in the rotation by Bronson Arroyo. Kim may be sent to the bullpen, Pawtucket or the team's training center in Fort Myers. Regardless, Arroyo will get the ball this Saturday in Toronto. (Discussion here)

Manny Ramirez missed last night's game because he was in Florida being sworn in as a United States citizen. ... Johnny Damon has agreed to shave his beard (but not cut his hair) in the next two weeks in exchange for the Gillette Co. donating $15,000 to the Boston Public Library.

Nomar Garciaparra played five simulated innings in an early Monday afternoon workout at Fenway. Nomar batted against coach Dale Sveum and will face Double-A Portland right-hander Eric Glaser today. Francona: "He did the groundballs, threw to first. Did the groundballs to second. He came in and hit off a tee. He hit off of a coach. He ran the bases. And he did that for five innings. He revved it up pretty good." When Nomar faces Double-A pitcher Eric Glaser today, it will be the first time he has faced a professional pitcher since March 17.

Trot Nixon will also take batting practice today and is scheduled to return to Fort Myers later this week to resume his rehabilitation. ... Ellis Burks has begun begun working out, just two weeks after undergoing knee surgery. Francona: "I think he's trying to set all (speed) records (for) coming back. He's already swung a bat and he's been throwing. He's doing pretty good." If all goes well, Burks could be activated by early June.

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