The Boston Red Sox might have to wait a little longer than anticipated for the return of outfielder Shane Victorino.
Victorino, who currently is in the midst of a rehab assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket, remained out of the PawSox’s lineup for a fourth straight day Saturday. It’s now looking increasingly unlikely that Victorino will return to the Red Sox during Boston’s current West Coast trip, which wraps up Wednesday in Seattle.
“I wouldn’t categorize it as a setback,” Red Sox manager John Farrell told reporters in Oakland before Saturday’s game. “We have to cautiously get to a point before we overload him.”
Victorino, who is working his way back from a hamstring injury, has been experiencing general soreness in recent days, according to Farrell. The 33-year-old is expected to resume taking batting practice Sunday after receiving treatment Saturday, but he still only has six at-bats so far during his rehab assignment. He’s expected to need at least two more minor league games before returning.
Farrell didn’t rule out Victorino returning before the Red Sox head back east for a three-game series with the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium beginning next Friday. But given Boston’s cautiousness with the ailing outfielder, it’s hard to envision at this point.
Victorino, who also started the season on the DL with a hamstring issue, is hitting .242 with one homer, 10 RBIs and a .276 on-base percentage in 21 games with the Red Sox this season.
