Turf in Toronto could delay Victorino's return
Red Sox may wait until Oakland series to bring outfielder back
BOSTON -- Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino, who is on the disabled list with a right hamstring strain, will likely get some at-bats on a Minor League rehab assignment at the start of next week.
Victorino is eligible to be activated on May 8, when the Red Sox open a three-game series in Toronto.
However, it's at least possible the club will wait until they get to Oakland on May 11 to bring Victorino back due to the new artificial turf in Toronto.
"The reports coming out of teams that have gone through there have been that it's a new turf. And it's extremely long, the blades of artificial grass," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "The depth of the crushed rubber is deep. It looks like some guys have had some negative effects on their legs after playing up there. So whether or not Vic is ready to be activated -- next Friday is the day [he's eligible] -- we'll determine that when we get closer to it."
Outfielder Rusney Castillo, who was optioned late in Spring Training, will return from the Minor League disabled list on Wednesday and serve as the designated hitter for Triple-A Pawtucket. Castillo has been nursing a right shoulder injury.