Victorino shows improvement, still not ready to play

CHICAGO -- Though Shane Victorino did not return to Boston's lineup on Wednesday, it appeared more likely than 24 hours earlier that he'd be able to avoid a trip to the disabled list.

"He's improved today," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "He's going to do some running on the treadmill. There's increased looseness in the hamstring but [he's] still unavailable tonight."

The fact that Victorino showed improvement just two days after the injury is a good sign.

"Today was a big day as far as his status and improvement that he's showing. Our plan was to kind of re-evaluate where he's at tomorrow and go from there," Farrell said.

Once Victorino consults with the team's medical staff back at Fenway Park on Thursday, the club should have a better idea of the severity of the injury.

"And we're hopeful we can avoid [the DL]," said Farrell. "Still, he is day to day, but nothing definitive has been decided either way."

Daniel Nava again made the start in right field and batted sixth against the White Sox. Jonny Gomes occupied Victorino's No. 2 spot in the batting order and played left.