BOSTON -- Before making a final decision on their pitchin rotation, the Boston Red Sox made a roster move similar to some of those of the Orioles this season.

Dana Kiecker, whose 7.20 earned run average was morindicative of his performance than his 2-1 record, apparently was on his way to Pawtucket when a funny thing happened to his elbow. It got sore just about the same time righthander Mike Gardiner was promoted from Triple A.

Kiecker was originally scheduled to start against the Orioletonight (7:35, Ch. 2), but his place was reserved for Gardiner, who was 7-1 with a 2.34 ERA in eight starts at Pawtucket. Like so many others lately, Kiecker's injury was one of those that developed during spring training, but didn't become evident (except for the ERA) until now.

In Kiecker's place, Gardiner will be matched up against JosMesa (4-4, 3.47), who has been the Orioles' most dependable starter so far this season. The righthander is coming off one of his strongest outings of the year, seven scoreless innings without a decision against the Yankees.

The long weekend series concludes with a pair of afternoogames tomorrow and Sunday. In tomorrow's game (1:05, Ch. 2) righthander Bob Milacki (1-2, 4.39) will make a second straight starting appearance for the first time this season. He will be opposed by Danny Darwin (2-1, 4.68), the free-agent righthander who recently returned from the disabled list.

In Sunday's finale (1:05, HTS), newcomer Roy Smith (1-0, 4.05will match his slow stuff against the flame-throwing talents of Roger Clemens (7-2, 2.34).