Martinez

	Castillo

BOSTON -- Boston Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez is heading to California for a second opinion on his ailing right shoulder.

The Providence Journal and the Boston Herald in Friday's editions said Martinez was ready to leave as early as Friday to consult with Dr. Lewis Yocum, an orthopedist, who is the team doctor for the Anaheim Angels. Yocum performed rotator cuff surgery on Ramon Martinez, Pedro's older brother.

Pedro Martinez was placed on the disabled list Wednesday after leaving Tuesday's start in the fifth inning. He's complained about discomfort in his right shoulder since mid-May, when he first sought tests from Red Sox medical director, Dr. Arthur Pappas.

Red Sox officials have described Martinez's injury as inflammation of the rotator cuff and stressed that no tear was detected.

The three-time Cy Young winner underwent an arthrogram, an MRI and a CT-scan Wednesday at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester. The tests showed inflammation of the rotator cuff.

Meanwhile, Frank Castillo became the latest Boston player to wind up on a disabled list that had already swelled this week with the addition of Martinez and Carl Everett.

Castillo, whose seven wins tied him with Martinez for the team lead, strained muscle in his back Thursday.

The Red Sox now have nine players on the DL, including Martinez (inflamed right rotator cuff), shortstop Nomar Garciaparra (recovering from right wrist surgery), Everett (jammed right knee) and catcher Jason Varitek (fractured right elbow).

In addition, outfielder Troy O'Leary couldn't play Friday because he was sick.

"It's crazy," Castillo said. "I've never seen anything like it. It's just strange. Hopefully, by the time the All-Star break comes around, we'll all be healthy again."

Castillo left Thursday's game in the second inning. He said it didn't feel any better Friday.

Martinez, placed on the disabled list Wednesday, a day after coming out in the fifth inning, was reportedly in California for a second opinion on his ailing shoulder.

Castillo's injury is considered less serious.

"It's probably just better off that I miss two starts," Castillo said. "Once the All-Star break is over I can come back feeling good and strong."

Despite the injuries, Boston entered Friday's game against Toronto with a 1 1/2-game lead in the AL East over New York. The Red Sox went 2-5 on their homestand that entered Thursday.

"A lot of teams can't handle losing four of their best players, but we've just found a way," first baseman Brian Daubach said. "We have veteran guys who have been there before.

"Not many teams can afford to have that many veteran guys on the bench," Daubach said. "Obviously, you can't replace stars, but we're doing whatever it takes to win."

Mike Lansing played shortstop on Friday, Scott Hatteberg was the designated hitter and Dante Bichette played right field.

Right-hander Tomo Ohka was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket to replace Castillo in the rotation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.