The Red Sox were expected to activate left-hander David Wells from the disabled list to start today against the Athletics.

Wells, sidelined since April 26 with a sprained right foot, would replace right-hander Jeremi Gonzalez, who was still listed as Boston’s probable starter for the finale of the three-game series.

The Red Sox wouldn’t announce Wells as the starter, apparently as a precaution in case he has a setback in the morning. But his schedule has been set up for the slot, and he was listed as the starter – with a question mark – on a calendar in manager Terry Francona’s office at Fenway Park.

“I think some guys just come back quicker,” Francona said before Tuesday’s game. “They will themselves to do it. He did a good job when we were gone.”

AP-ES-05-17-05 2116EDT