The club also activated right-hander Boof Bonser, who had been on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Pawtucket, before Monday night's game against the Cleveland Indians.
Papelbon, who is 1-3 with 13 saves, will be away from the team for three days.
Manager Terry Francona did not announce his interim closer before the Red Sox opened a four-game series with the Indians. But with Papelbon out, right-hander Daniel Bard will likely take over closing duties. Bard has a 1.80 ERA in 28 games and has one save.
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