TORONTO -- Boston's Gabe Kapler ruptured his left Achilles'

tendon while rounding second base on Tony Graffanino's fifth-inning

homer during Wednesday night's 5-3 win over Toronto.

Graffanino's ball went over the left-field wall, and Kapler fell

to the ground. He got up on one knee but couldn't continue.

After a five-minute delay, Kapler was carted off the field.

Alejandro Machado pinch ran starting at second base and finished

circling the bases.

"I felt like I got hit at the back of my ankle," said Kapler,

who wasn't in pain after the game. "I just had seen the ball go

over."

Kapler realizes he could be sidelined a long time.

"I'm sure there is going to come a time when reality is going

to hit me and I'm going to know that it's going to be a while

before I help my teammates," Kapler said. "That's going to be

hard for me."

Boston already was missing center fielder Johnny Damon, who was

in Boston receiving treatment for a sore left shoulder. Damon hopes

to play in Thursday's home game against Oakland.

Kapler will be evaluated in Boston on Thursday. Outfielder Adam

Hyzdu will replace him.

"I'm really hoping Johnny Damon shows up and is really

healthy," Boston manager Terry Francona said.

Kapler was a backup outfielder with the Red Sox in 2004. He was

the first player to leave the World Series champions when he signed

a one-year contract with the Yomiuri Giants last November, taking

more money and the chance to play every day. But he struggled in

Japan and re-signed with Boston in July.

Kapler hit .247 with one home run and nine RBI in 36 game with

Boston.

"It's been real bizarre," Kapler said. "This is a bump in the

road but nothing I can't manage. I can handle this. It's going to

challenging. This season has been challenging for me. I just need

to get where I need to be and help this team win, whenever that

might be."

Boston starter David Wells said losing Kapler hurts.

"He's a great 10th man off the bench," Wells said. "He comes

to play every day. He's like Charlie Hustle. The guy goes after it

with no fear. To lose him is crushing. I've never in my 18 years

seen a guy blow it out at second base on a home run."