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Farrell still devising workload for Hanigan, Leon

NEW YORK -- Ryan Hanigan started the first three games of the season behind the plate for the Red Sox. Sandy Leon made his first start Friday night against the Yankees.

But Red Sox manager John Farrell said Friday he doesn't have a definite plan yet on how he'll use his two catchers.

"We're going to use the schedule a little bit as our guide," Farrell said, noting that the Red Sox play on Sunday night in New York and then have their home opener on Monday afternoon in Boston. "That could be another opportunity for Sandy. We'll probably take this in the short term with a traditional approach."

Hanigan, in his first year with the Red Sox after arriving in a December trade for Will Middlebrooks, had one hit in eight at-bats in the three games in Philadelphia. Leon was acquired from the Nationals in the final days of Spring Training, after the Red Sox found out that Christian Vazquez would need Tommy John surgery on his right elbow that will cost him the 2015 season.

Farrell also went with Daniel Nava in right field for Friday's game, in part because of the left/right splits against Yankee starter Nathan Eovaldi. Nava and Shane Victorino have each started two of the first four games, but Farrell said there's no health concern keeping Victorino out.

"He's coming through the games fine," Farrell said. "He was hopeful to be on the field tonight."

One lineup decision Farrell didn't need to make Friday was whether to play David Ortiz or Mike Napoli. After three games in Philadelphia where the Red Sox played without a designated hitter, all involved were happy to be back with American League rules Friday.

"Hallelujah," Ortiz said. "I want to see Napoli at first base, and see me doing what I do."

"I think we're all looking forward to it," Farrell said. "Nap had such a strong spring, but it's hard to think of a Red Sox lineup without David Ortiz."

On Friday, Farrell didn't need to think about it.

Danny Knobler is a contributor to MLB.com.
Read More: Boston Red Sox, Ryan Hanigan, Sandy Leon