Notes from today

TOKYO -- Mike Timlin is looking unlikely for the first two games of the season, as he won't be getting his stitches out until five to seven days from when he got them, which was on Wednesday. Francona said Timlin was "a little bit stiff, a little tender" today. The team mostly doesn't want him to reinjure the finger in trying to get on the field too fast.

Francona is expecting to get most of the players about three at bats today, though there are likely two (probably Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia) who will play all nine innings. He's hoping for five innings from starter Clay Buchholz, with a group of relievers scheduled to pitch behind him today, and another set for tomorrow.

Coco Crisp appears ready to play in today's game, likely to be inserted into centerfield once Manny Ramirez leaves the game. Ellsbury would be switched to left field.