Bowden recalled to majors

The Red Sox optioned shortstop Gil Velazquez to Pawtucket, in anticipation of Julio Lugo joining the club tomorrow. In lieu of Velazquez, the Sox brought up Michael Bowden to pitch out of the bullpen. The Sox bullpen is rather beleaguered -- certainly not to the extent of the Yankees, but this was a move sorely needed. If Masterson doesn't go long or it's a blowout by the time Masterson is done, Bowden will get the call.

For those wondering why Clay Buchholz was not recalled, he's injured. Not terribly, but still injured.

BOS 16, NYY 11: Lumber party

As if last night's game between Boston and New York didn't provide enough drama.

4/25: Something’s gotta give.

Burnett has gotten off to a great start and has a good chance of snapping Boston's eight-game winning streak due to his career 5-0, 2.56 ERA record against the Sox. Meanwhile, Beckett returns from suspension and takes his turn on five days rest. He hasn't given up a homer on the year yet. One winning streak has to come to an end today.

Just for old times sake…

In 31 career starts against the Yanks, Pedro has a 3.03 ERA in the regular season. In 211 innings he has wiffed 257 Yankee hitters, while walking only 58. Pedro has a WHIP of 1.00. That is completely dominant. This is not only the most successful franchise in the history of the sport, but is also the most successful of the past 12 seasons as well, seasons in which Pedro has taken the mound against them.

BOS 5, NYY 4: Make it 8

Jason Bay and Kevin Youkilis have got that BOOM BOOM POW.

4/24: Rivalry Renewed

And so it begins....video after the jump.

Does early season success against the Yankees matter?

For Red Sox fans, there is a "second Opening Day" to the season; the first time their familiar foes from New York line up across the diamond. The first series of the season against the New York Yankees takes on a heightened feeling as if New England takes a collective breath and bears down saying, "Baseball season is officially in full swing."

The rest of the nation may be sick of the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry, but the beauty of it for New Englanders is, that through all the hype, these games still matter and more often than not, live up to the anticipation that proceeds them.

Poll: Early Season Series

Big Papi issues warning to Joba; Carter demoted

Big Papi, David Ortiz, issued a stark warning to Joba Chamberlain to watch his step, reported the New York Post.

Chamberlain seems to have an issue with Kevin Youkilis, having thrown the ball at or near his head four times in the last two years -- which is a rather striking number. The 2007 incidents earned him a suspension while one of the 2008 pitches almost sparked a brawl.

"None of that, man -- just play the game the way it's supposed to be, and that's about it. This is a guy, as good as he is, the next step for him will be to earn respect from everybody in the league. He's not a bad guy, but when things like that happen, people get the wrong idea."

Nine Up, Nine Down: Welcoming the Yankees

In advance of the Yankees coming to town tomorrow for a three-game set in what will be the unofficial start of baseball season around here, I figure we should get caught up with what's going on in Yankeeland.

After the jump we bring you up to speed on CC Sabathia's struggles, the injury report plus a breakdown of the pitcher's the Sox will face this weekend.