Report: Red Sox's Varitek headed to DL

Catcher Jason Varitek has joined the Boston Red Sox's list of injured regulars and is headed to the disabled list, according to a report.

Varitek reportedly has a fractured foot, a source told ESPN.com, and could miss four to six weeks. He was expected to take over daily catching duties after All-Star Victor Martinez went on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday because of a broken left thumb.

Varitek's injury adds to what has become a painful month for the Red Sox. Reliever Manny Delcarmen reportedly is headed for the disabled list with a strained forearm after giving up five runs in the eighth inning Wednesday against Tampa Bay, leading to a 9-4 Rays victory.

Other significant casualties include second baseman Dustin Pedroia (broken foot), pitcher Clay Buchholz (strained hamstring), third baseman Mike Lowell (hip), outfielder Jeremy Hermida (ribs) and outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury (back). All but Buchholz are on the DL.

The Red Sox, who host Baltimore this weekend, travel to St. Petersburg for a three-game series against the Rays beginning Monday. The third-place Rays trail the Red Sox in the American League East by a game and the first-place New York Yankees by 2 1/2 games entering Friday's play.

The banged-up Red Sox acquired catcher Kevin Cash, a former star at Tampa's Gaither High, from the Houston Astros for infielder Angel Sanchez on Thursday. The 32-year-old Cash played for the Red Sox in 2007 and 2008.

It wasn't known when Varitek was injured, but WBZ-TV showed video of him limping at a charity golf event Thursday. An ESPN reporter said he saw Varitek limping Wednesday in the clubhouse after the loss to the Rays. ESPN.com reported that Varitek did not break the foot against the Rays during Tuesday night's near collision with third baseman Adrian Beltre.

Cash hit .204 with two home runs and four RBIs for Houston. The Astros designated him for assignment on June 22 and no team made a move to get him.

Sanchez played in one game for Boston. He hit .274 for Triple-A Pawtucket. The Astros recently lost rookie shortstop Tommy Manzanella for six weeks because of a finger injury.

Houston also designated Triple-A Round Rock infielder Yordany Ramirez for assignment.