The Associated Press

SEATTLE - The Boston Red Sox activated reliever Scott Williamson from the 60-day disabled list Thursday and designated infielder Earl Snyder for assignment.

Williamson has been sidelined most of the season because of a sore pitching elbow.

"We wouldn't pitch him tonight," manager Terry Francona said. "I think tomorrow is more his day. But he does feel real good. So we decided to activate him tonight."

The former Reds right-hander has pitched in 21 games for the Red Sox this season, compiling a 1.25 ERA over 21 2/3 innings.

WHITE SOX: Designated hitter Carl Everett was out of the lineup Thursday against Texas because of a pulled muscle in his thigh.

Everett pulled up in the sixth inning Wednesday night after a stolen base. He appeared to get hurt when he took off from first, and immediately waved for the team's trainer when he got to second.

OUCH: Plate umpire Jerry Crawford was hit in the head by a deflected pitch Thursday, forcing him to leave after the second inning in the first game of a doubleheader between Tampa Bay and the Yankees.

Devil Rays starter Dewon Brazelton opened the bottom of the second by hitting Miguel Cairo in the left shoulder with a pitch that deflected off Cairo's arm and skipped off Crawford's mask.

Crawford, the crew chief, left the field before the start of the third inning. He was diagnosed at the hospital with a concussion.

NO MORE BAD WEATHER: Hurricane Ivan could force the storm-weary Florida Marlins to play at least part of their five-game series next week against Montreal at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.

The teams are considering the White Sox's ballpark as an option if Ivan makes it impossible to start the series Monday as scheduled at Pro Player Stadium. The Marlins can't afford any more rainouts after three games last weekend against the Cubs were postponed because of Hurricane Frances. Florida is scheduled to play three doubleheaders in 11 days beginning today at Wrigley Field.

Whether the Marlins remain in Chicago to play the Expos will depend on how severely Ivan affects the Miami area.

"It would be weird - a home game at an American League park," Marlins center fielder Juan Pierre said. "But you definitely don't want to be sitting around another three or four days."