The Sox' injury list keeps increasing. First baseman Sean Casey, who hasn't played since Tuesday in Baltimore, has been battling a stiff neck. He said the neck became problematic when he woke up Thursday, the team's day off, after having gone to Pittsburgh for the day. Casey said the neck has been improving, and he was hopeful he would be available for tomorrow's game in New York. He added he's been getting quite a few phone calls and e-mails about why the team has been leaving a guy who is hitting .345 on the bench.

J.D. Drew (back) was not in yesterday's starting lineup again, his sixth straight game on the bench. Francona didn't rule out putting Drew on the disabled list, saying the outfielder was walking "crooked" when he left the park Saturday afternoon. But, he said, with the day off today, the team is hoping Drew will be able to play tomorrow

David Aardsma, who officially went on the DL yesterday, and Julio Lugo are both scheduled for MRIs today in Boston. Both will stay in Boston for the rest of the road trip, and will work out with rehabilitation coordinator Scott Waugh.

David Pauley arrived before the game, taking Aardsma's spot on the roster. He is likely to be used in long relief, especially with Tim Wakefield making his return from the DL tomorrow.

Mike Lowell (oblique) is scheduled to speak with medical director Dr. Thomas Gill today to get approval to head to New York.

Excerpted from today's Red Sox notebook.