By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

BALTIMORE — The Red Sox were disconsolate about Cody Ross on Monday, believing they had lost the run-producing outfielder for perhaps two months because of a fractured navicular bone in his left foot.

But Ross was somewhat more optimistic after the game tonight, saying his foot felt good and he’s hopeful of returning to the team sooner than first expected.

“I’m definitely not going to put a date on it. Is it going to be 6-8 weeks? Is it going to be 2-4 weeks? Who knows?” Ross said. “It’s going to totally depend how it heals. I feel good today. I’m walking around normal. It doesn’t hurt. It could be a quick recovery.”

Ross fouled a ball off his foot on Friday in Philadelphia and was in Boston on Monday for an MRI. He sought a second opinion here on Tuesday, seeing Dr. Lew Schon. He confirmed the original diagnosis.

Ross was placed on the 15-day disabled list and is wearing a large walking boot to take weight off his foot.

That Ross was feeling close to normal had manager Bobby Valentine feeling better, too.

“At worst case it’s not as bad as we thought it was yesterday. At best case, it’s much better,” he said.

General manager Ben Cherington was more cautious than Valentine, saying Ross could still miss 6-8 weeks.

“We’ve got to get him out of the boot first and then get a better read for how he is,” Cherington said. “Optimistic that feels better every day. Hopefully it’s in the earlier part of that range.”

The Sox want to make sure Ross doesn’t re-injure himself by returning too soon.

“The DL is still necessary. We have to let the thing heal for a while,” Cherington said “Frustrating, tough break for him, but we’ll get him back as soon as we can. Even though he feels better we have to do the right thing and let it heal first.”

The Red Sox now have seven outfielders on the disabled list.

“There’s always your fair share of injuries but not like this” Ross said. “It’s amazing. Probably some kind of record I would assume.”

Also:

• Felix Doubront struck out nine tonight and had 53 in 50 innings this season. He nearly matched Brian Matusz pitch for pitch.

• Kevin Youkilis left without speaking to reporters after going 1 for 3 with a home run.

• The Sox are 4-3 on their road trip, which ends on Wednesday afternoon with Daniel Bard facing Jake Arrieta. It's a 12:35 start.

Catch you then.