BOSTON – Red Sox star Nomar Garciaparra was sent back to Triple-A on Tuesday for at least one more game of rehab before Boston decides when he can make his 2004 debut.

The All-Star shortstop went 0-for-3 for Pawtucket against Louisville on Tuesday night.

“We won’t know anything until we speak with him tomorrow,” manager Terry Francona said before Boston played San Diego on Tuesday night.

“I think he’s been anxious (to return) the whole time. It could be tomorrow, it could be next week. When he tells me he’s ready to play for us, that will be good enough for me.”

The Red Sox said Garciaparra’s right Achilles’ tendon will examined Wednesday before the team decides if he can play that night against San Diego.

Garciaparra had just eight spring training at-bats when he fouled a ball off his right heel on March 17. In all, Garciaparra has gone 5-for-21 with one homer on his rehab assignment.

AP-ES-06-08-04 2157EDT