Victorino's return unclear, but DL stint unlikely
Red Sox outfielder dealing with left knee issue, sits out Friday's game
BOSTON -- Following Friday night's 1-0 loss to the Tigers, the Red Sox were still uncertain when right fielder Shane Victorino would return to the lineup, but they seemed confident a trip to the disabled list can be avoided.
Victorino, who hasn't started the last two games, injured his left knee in Minneapolis against the Twins.
"Vic, there was some swelling in the joint," said manager John Farrell. "We don't think this is going to be a DL situation. He'll be fitted for a brace to wear. We'll check him [Saturday] on his availability."
Victorino banged his left knee sliding into third base in Tuesday's game against the Twins. He stayed in the rest of that game and played all nine innings in Wednesday's contest. Grady Sizemore replaced Victorino in right.
"At the recommendation of the medical staff, we are holding him out today at a minimum and hopefully the information we get back is that it is a short-term situation," said Farrell.
Victorino's been hitting well as of late after a right hamstring strain sidelined him for the first few weeks. He's recorded five multihit games in his last 12 contests, hitting .340 with a triple, three doubles and nine RBIs.