PORTLAND – Kelly Shoppach was in North Carolina when his cell phone rang Sunday afternoon.

On the other end was Red Sox minor league coordinator Ben Cherington.

“He told me we had another guy go down,” said Shoppach. “He wanted to know if I could be here any faster.”

Shoppach was on his way to Portland after a rehab stint in Florida, but wasn’t due to arrive until today.

But with Sea Dogs dropping like flies with injuries, the plan was changed.

Shoppach made a stop in New York State, got some sleep and arrived at Hadlock Field around 1:30 Monday afternoon.

“I’ll be ready to go eventually,” Shoppach said as he eyed the pile of gear in front of his locker about an hour and a half before game time.

He didn’t have much of choice. Shoppach was penciled into the clean-up spot and was catching.

Shoppach is rated the Red Sox No. 2 prospect by Baseball America.

He started the season in Florida, rehabbing his shoulder after having surgery to repair a small tear in his rotator cuff.

Shoppach credits Red Sox minor league rehabilitation and medical coordinator Mike Young with getting him back into game shape.

“He had a plan that he’s known for that he put me on,” said Shoppach. “I started catching about two weeks ago going two innings and progressing up.”

The Red Sox selected Shoppach in the second round of the 2001 draft (Boston didn’t have a first-round pick).

The Fort Worth, Texas, native hit .271 with 10 home runs and 66 RBI while being named a Florida State League All-Star in his first professional season.

He said he feels no extra pressure to live up to the expectations that come with being highly-touted.

“Being a prospect means just that,” said Shoppach. “You haven’t done anything, yet. It’s nice that someone thinks you can do something. But it’s all about going out and doing it.”

Injury updates

Nelson Castro was put on the disabled after he sprained his left wrist diving for a ball in the second game of Sunday’s doubleheader. He joins Carlos Leon (broken leg) and Dustin Brisson (high ankle sprain) on the DL. Andy Dominique will miss at least two to four days with a groin strain.

In addition, catcher Jeff Smith has been shut down after experiencing pain in his right knee. Smith, who hurt the knee in spring training, will likely be shifted to Triple-A Pawtucket’s roster and put on the disabled list.

Jones returns

Lynn Jones is back in Portland for the first time since 1998, when he managed the Sea Dogs.

Jones, now an outfield and baserunning instructor with the Red Sox, will be in town for the rest of the homestand.

“It’s a good organization up here,” said Jones. “I’m happy to see everybody.”

Farewell again

Count Sea Dogs manager Ron Johnson among those hoping for a quick game Wednesday night.

Johnson would like to make it over to the Cumberland County Civic Center for the Cher concert. “We were talking about that last night,” said Johnson. “I’d love to see that.”

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