By: Ian Browne
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- As inevitable as it was, the Red Sox still had to make it official. They did so on Thursday morning, placing right-hander Curt Schilling on the 60-day disabled list.
Schilling, trying to bounce back from right shoulder woes, has been limited to strictly indoor exercises this spring.
There is no timetable for the 41-year-old Schilling to get on a throwing program. It's all a matter of how he responds.
The best-case scenario is that the big righty could return around the All-Star break.
Schilling is planning on joining the Red Sox next week for their trip to Tokyo, where they will open their season against the A's.
The Red Sox were prompted to make the move with Schilling on Thursday because they needed to clear a roster spot for right-handed reliever Lincoln Holdzkom, who was brought back to the organization as a free agent.
Holdzkom was selected by the Phillies in last December's Rule 5 Draft. However, the Phils -- as is their right -- offered him back to the Red Sox.
But Holdzkom opted for free agency, as was his right, and the Red Sox have signed him to a Major League contract. He reported to Fort Myers on Thursday.
Holdzkom split his 2007 season between Double-A Portland (4-1, 3.47 ERA) and Triple-A Pawtucket (1-0, 1.59 ERA).
The Red Sox made some other roster moves on Thursday, optioning right-hander Devern Hansack and outfielder Jonathan Van Every to Triple-A Pawtucket.
In addition, the Sox returned non-roster invitees Lee Gronkiewicz, Michael Tejera and Jon Switzer -- all pitchers -- to Minor League camp.
Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
