Victorino day to day with jammed right thumb

BOSTON -- There have been two constants with Shane Victorino this season: The first is that he has played at a high level almost every day he's been on the field. The second is the nagging injuries that take him off the field at times.

Thursday was another one of those days that Victorino was out of the lineup. His latest annoying nag is a jammed right thumb, which forced manager John Farrell to pinch-hit for him in the 12th inning on Wednesday.

"Shane is day to day right now," said Farrell. "He's obviously not in the lineup. He came out last night a little bit sore with that thumb. There are really no other updates as of today."

At various times this season, Victorino has dealt with issues in his back, hamstring and hip, as well as the thumb that is currently troubling him.

However, Farrell has no doubt that Victorino will be there for the big games that are ahead for the Red Sox.

"No [concern], other than the fact that he does need some time right now to get ahead [of it]. But there's not an overriding concern that he's not going to be available," said Farrell.

The absence of Victorino combined with Jacoby Ellsbury still being out created an opportunity for Jackie Bradley Jr. to make his 23rd start of the season for the Red Sox.

Bradley, who spent most of the season in the Minors, is hitting .152 with two homers and seven RBIs.

"Still getting his feet on the ground," said Farrell. "Still understanding the capability of Major League pitching from day to day, particularly their command and their ability to attack certain areas when an opposing pitcher gets ahead in the count. He's been challenged in certain areas of the strike zone that he's been working at to continue to improve on. That's all part of establishing himself at this level."

Even a player like Dustin Pedroia struggled in his early days in the Majors. By no means have Bradley's struggles at the plate reduced the club's outlook of him as a player.

"It's the first time he's played in the big leagues. That's going to present some challenges in itself," Farrell said. "So, this is I think a very normal path for a young player who has gotten to the big leagues at an early stage in his pro career. There have been some things thrown his way maybe sooner than some others. It hasn't changed the overall view of Jackie's ability, both current and future."