“It was one of the most unbelievable experiences, to get called up by the Boston Red Sox,” said McBeth, who spent the weekend Baltimore before re-joining Pawtucket on Monday. “That’s a dream come true for any player, I don’t care who you are. This is one of the best organizations in baseball. It was an honor and a privilege to be (summoned).”
To be placed on the 40-man speaks volumes how McBeth has fared this season. The 28-year-old entered spring training as a non-roster invitee, eventually working himself into the primary setup option for Fernando Cabrera, Pawtucket’s All-Star closer. To date he’s 2-0 with a 2.21 ERA, covering 35 appearances (one start).
“I just wanted to play my role, whatever role that is,” said the soft-spoken McBeth. “If they want to call me up to fill in a spot or eat innings, whatever it is, I’m here to do it.
Asked to pinpoint why he’s been in a steady groove for virtually the entire season, McBeth responded, “There’s a lot of luck involved with what I do. I just try to go hard every day. I realize that sometimes I’m going to get hit or make mistakes, but I try to remain consistent and give the same effort day-in and day-out.”
McBeth came over to the PawSox last August 13 after being claimed off waivers from Cincinnati. A place kicker on the South Carolina football team during his freshman year, McBeth spent his first three professional seasons as an outfielder in the Oakland A’s organization before getting converted to a pitcher in 2005.
Last season saw McBeth make his big-league debut, appearing in 23 games (all in relief) for the Reds, compiling a 3-2 record and a 5.95 ERA.
Known as Pawtucket’s chief musician (McBeth’s primary hobby is playing the piano), McBeth equates his recent brush of good news to hitting a high note. Though he didn’t toss a single pitch in his weekend sojourn to Camden Yards, that doesn’t mean the brief stay was a total loss.
“All of those guys [in Boston’s bullpen] were all very accepting. It’s a unit, and that’s the way it’s supposed to be,” said McBeth about his role as an emergency reliever. “They just feed off of each other. They accepted me as if I had been there the entire season.”
“Marcus goes out and gets people out, it’s that simple,” said Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson. “We all want to be told we’re doing a nice job, so when something like (having a spot on the 40-man set aside) happens, it’s an awareness that they think can help our major league club.”
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Jeff Bailey (high ankle sprain) pronounced himself  “still sore” following Day 2 of his rehab assignment. Serving as Pawtucket’s designated hitter and leadoff guy, Bailey went 0-for-2 with a walk. He did provide the ankle quite the workout in the two times he grounded out to the left portion of the infield.
Sporting an air cast that’s designed to provide comfort when he’s not playing, Bailey will take today off before resuming his rehab Thursday. He expects to see time in the field that day with the preference being to patrol the outfield.  
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John Otness was spotted in the PawSox clubhouse. The catcher is on the organizational disabled list, according to Johnson. … Pawtucket drew more than 10,000 for the sixth time this season Tuesday, a good chunk of that the result of the numerous summer camps that turned out. … Pawtucket transferred Enrique Gonzalez to Single-A Lowell in order to create room for Charlie Zink, Tuesday’s starting pitcher. … Familiar faces will descend upon McCoy Stadium tonight when Pawtucket kicks off a four-game set with Norfolk. Former PawSox pitching coach Mike Griffin is currently in the same capacity with the Tides. David Pauley, who pitched for Pawtucket in each of the last three seasons, will toe the rubber for Norfolk on Thursday. … Tonight is PawSox Team Poster Night. For those interested in having their posters signed, PawSox players will hold an autograph session from 5-6 p.m.