Red Sox Decide to Option Choi

The Boston Red Sox optioned first baseman Hee-Seop Choi to triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday after activating him from the disabled list.

Choi went on the 15-day disabled list April 1, retroactive to March 29, because of a left hamstring strain and was sent to Pawtucket on a 20-day rehabilitation assignment April 14.

Choi, the former Dodger who was claimed off waivers by Boston in March, batted .313 with three homers and 12 RBIs in 19 games at Pawtucket.

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The Cincinnati Reds put infielder Rich Aurilia, who has a strained right groin, on the 15-day disabled list. He was injured during the Reds’ 3-0 loss at Colorado on Wednesday night. Infielder Ray Olmedo was recalled from triple-A Louisville to fill Aurilia’s spot on the roster.

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First baseman Todd Helton is scheduled to return to the Colorado Rockies’ starting lineup tonight against the Houston Astros after an intestinal infection landed him on the 15-day disabled list.

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Red Sox left-hander David Wells threw 40 pitches from a mound and prepared for the next step in his rehabilitation from a right knee injury. He is scheduled to throw 40 to 45 pitches on Sunday and 50 to 60 on Wednesday, and pitch a simulated game on May 13.

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Florida Gov. Jeb Bush indicated that he is open to giving state help to Miami-Dade County for a new Florida Marlin ballpark in Hialeah.