Oil Can Is Fined Two Days’ Pay for Missing One Game

Dennis (Oil Can) Boyd was fined two days’ pay, about $1,600, by the Boston Red Sox Friday for going AWOL for one game.

He was notified of the loss of “two days’ compensation” in a formal letter from Haywood Sullivan, the Red Sox’s co-owner and chief executive officer.

Boyd, 25, accompanied by his agent, Dennis Coleman, met with Sullivan in midafternoon and then conferred with Manager John McNamara.

The pitcher was involved in a shoving match with veteran slugger and team captain Jim Rice after a 5-3 loss to Texas Wednesday night. He then failed to appear Thursday night, when Boston ended a six-game losing streak with an 8-4 victory over the Rangers.

Boyd declined to talk about the incident or his absence. However, he said in a statement issued by the Red Sox: “I regret the unfortunate events that occurred the last two days. As you all know, I am a very emotional player, and sometimes my emotions are not fully understood by others. I am angry and frustrated over the recent string of losses. My frustrations were not directed at anyone in particular, but rather at the entire situation.”