Nixon

	Everett

BOSTON -- Boston Red Sox outfielder Carl Everett needs to work harder to get back on the field, teammate Trot Nixon told the Boston Globe on Thursday.

In an interview with the Globe, Nixon questioned Everett's rehabilitation of his injured right knee. Everett is eligible to come off the disabled list on Saturday, but he probably won't be back until after the All-Star break.

"We need Carl in the lineup," Nixon said. "We're doing well since he's been hurt, but if something is wrong, we've got to find out what the problem is. Waiting around and not rehabbing or anything isn't helping our ball club and isn't helping Carl at all.

"He's sitting over on the bench and we're wondering what's going on with him. Whatever it is, he needs to get it straightened out, period. He's a guy we need out on the field every day, but you also have to make efforts to work your way back onto the field.

"You've got to want to get back on the field. You've got to come in here and rehab. It's going to hurt sometimes when you rehab. You don't want to rush things, but in the same sense you want to get it better."

Everett had left the clubhouse and was not available for comment when Nixon made his comments. He has been largely limited to hitting off a tee and taking ground balls hit directly at him, the Globe reported. Everett has said his recovery period may be prolonged by his reluctance to take anti-inflammatories because he is allergic to aspirin.

"Our medical staff has done a great job getting guys back on the field and they're trying their damndest with Carl and certain things just aren't working," Nixon said. "I don't know what they have to do to get him back because he says it doesn't feel right. Is there something wrong with it? Well, they did those tests and they said nothing was structurally wrong."