Boston Red Sox Set 2008 MLB Opening Day Roster

03/25/2008, TOKYO, JAPAN -- The Boston Red Sox today set their 2008 opening day roster with the following moves:

--Placed righthanded pitcher Josh Beckett on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 19 with a lower back strain.

--Optioned catcher Dusty Brown to Triple-A Pawtucket of the International League.

--Purchased the contact of catcher Kevin Cash from Triple-A Pawtucket.

The three moves put the Red Sox' roster at 27 players, one under the allowable limit for the Ricoh Opening Series Japan 2008. Of that number, 25 players will be active for the two games in Japan versus the Oakland A's.

The two inactive players for this two-game series are righthanded pitchers Mike Timlin (cut on right ring finger), and Tim Wakefield (started Sunday's game versus Yomiuri).

The Boston Red Sox' 2008 opening day roster:

PITCHERS (11): David Aardsma, Clay Buchholz, Bryan Corey, Manny Delcarmen, Jon Lester, Javier Lopez, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Hideki Okajima, Jonathan Papelbon, Kyle Snyder, Julian Tavarez.

CATCHERS (2): Kevin Cash, Jason Varitek.

INFIELDERS (7): Sean Casey, Alex Cora, Mike Lowell, Julio Lugo, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis.

OUTFIELDERS (5): Coco Crisp, J.D. Drew, Jacoby Ellsbury, Brandon Moss, Manny Ramirez.

INACTIVE (2): Mike Timlin (RHP), Tim Wakefield (RHP).

15-DAY DISABLED LIST (1): Josh Beckett (RHP).

60-DAY DISABLED LIST (1): Curt Schilling (RHP).

Source: MLB