Worth noting

• Right-hander John Lackey (strained right bicep) started his throwing program on Tuesday, playing catch at 120 feet. Farrell said that Lackey was more aggressive than expected, a sign of how strong he is feeling.

• Lefty Franklin Morales (lower back strain) will start for Class A Greenville on Wednesday, opening his Minor League rehab assignment. Morales is being stretched out as a starter during his rehab to give the Red Sox options in case a starting pitcher goes down.

• Backup catcher David Ross got the nod over Jarrod Saltalamacchia for Tuesday's game against the Indians.

"Again, just to keep [David] involved," said Farrell. "We know with [Justin] Masterson tomorrow, with [Zach] McAllister on Thursday, Salty will be right back in there. This is a matter of just keeping a little bit of a rotation going."