Alan Embree, speaking to Pawtucket Red Sox broadcaster Dan Hoard, reiterated that he almost surely would excercise the opt-out clause of his minor league contract with the Red Sox if he is not added to the major league roster by April 15. By that point, Embree suggested that he will have had about 10 in-game appearances, which is usually enough for him to get ready for the season.

His hope, of course, is that the Sox will add him to the big league roster. If that doesn't happen, however, he would rather explore other big league opportunities than remain in Triple A.

"Hopefully, things go well and I get enough appearances that on the 15th, that won't be an issue. The issue will be I'm going to Boston, which is ultimately what the goal was," Embree told Hoard. "I’m very grateful the Red Sox gave me the opportunity they did. ... That being said, baseball is a business. If for whatever reason they didn...

Bruins coach Claude Julien was cautioning against counting any playoff berths before they're clinched prior to Saturday afternoon's matinee with the Carolina Hurricanes at TD Garden. With a win, the Bruins clinch a playoff spot and no worse than a No. 7 seed in the East and avoid the Washington Capitals in the first round. "We're not there yet," Julien said. "This is an opportunity for us to control our own destiny. For me, we need to take care of business today. It's as simple as that. We need to be ready to go. And hopefully we are."

Meanwhile, Julien said defenseman Mark Stuart is still more than a few days away from returning to action after surgery to treat a finger infection. Tuukka Rask starts in net for the Bruins. Should the Bruins not clinch today, they finish up the season on Sunday afternoon in Washington against the Capitals. 

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