Wells Will Start Friday for Red Sox

Boston Red Sox left-hander David Wells is set to pitch Friday night after spending most of the season on the disabled list, one of several injured Boston players progressing toward a return.

Wells had one ineffective start before going on the disabled list April 15 because of a sore right knee. Manager Terry Francona said Wells would start the opener of a three-game series against Tampa Bay.

“Is he going to be 100% sharpness? Maybe not,” Francona said, but “that arm still works unbelievably well.”

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The New York Yankees might get one of their veterans back soon.

Right fielder Gary Sheffield, on the disabled list since May 5 because of an injured left hand and wrist, started at designated hitter for double-A Trenton and could return to the majors during the three-game series in Boston, General Manager Brian Cashman said.

The Yankees also signed former Oakland designated hitter Erubiel Durazo to a minor league contract. Durazo hit a career-high .321 with 22 home runs and 77 runs batted in two years ago. He had surgery last year to rebuild his left elbow.

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Detroit Tigers designated hitter Dmitri Young was released on a personal bond last week after being arraigned on a domestic violence charge involving a 21-year-old woman.

The 32-year-old Young is accused of choking the Toledo, Ohio, woman April 14 at the Townsend Hotel. The woman, a college student, was identified as Young’s ex-girlfriend.

Young is scheduled for a pretrial hearing June 13.

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Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Ben Sheets had an MRI exam that showed his ailing right shoulder is structurally sound.

Sheets is expected to rejoin the Brewers today in Cincinnati, but the team doesn’t have a timetable for his return.

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The New York Mets will recall right-hander Alay Soler from double-A Binghamton, and he is expected to make his major league debut against Philadelphia this week. The Mets also will option right-hander Anderson Garcia to triple-A Norfolk.

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Minnesota Twins left fielder Shannon Stewart was put on the 15-day disabled list because of a left foot injury. The Twins recalled Jason Kubel from triple-A Rochester to fill the roster spot.... The Florida Marlins activated outfielder Jeremy Hermida from the 15-day disabled list and optioned infielder Robert Andino to triple-A Albuquerque.