Craig Could Rehab Next Week, Victorino Following Protocol

With several players on the disabled list, Red Sox manager John Farrell offered injury updates prior to Friday’s game against the Houston Astros.

Allen Craig, who was placed on the DL with a left foot sprain, took full batting practice on Thursday. He could go on a rehab assignment as early as Monday.

Catcher David Ross (right plantar fasciitis) was scheduled to catch a bullpen session on Friday. He has been taking BP and also began more running on Thursday. Farrell noted he believes a rehab assignment for Ross is less likely than one for Allen.

“He’s making adequate progress as well,” said Farrell.

Shane Victorino underwent season-ending back surgery earlier in August. With months of recovery ahead, the outfielder is following the rehab plan mapped out for him.

“He’s following a pretty standard protocol right now,” said Farrell. “That’s just gradual activity of walking, no real functional movements of any kind yet. The followup check up did not have anything alarming. Like I said, he’s following the normal protocol.”

One player who will not miss time is Yoenis Cespedes. On Thursday he left the game after fouling a ball off his shin but was back in action Friday.

“He was starting to limp around and he doesn’t want to relent to coming out of the game,” said Farrell. “You have to take it out of his hands. But he came in today ready to go and back in the lineup today.”

Cespedes also suffered a right hand contusion this week.