Worth noting

• Victorino (left hamstring strain) and third baseman Will Middlebrooks (back) continue to make strides in their recovery. Victorino will start his Minor League rehab assignment on either Sunday or Monday and be back in Boston's lineup on Wednesday. Middlebrooks will be back three days later.

"He's run, he's swung the bat, he's taken ground balls," Farrell said of Middlebrooks. "He's made solid progress as well."

Both players will take early batting practice on the field at Yankee Stadium on Saturday.

• After a successful spot start for the Sox on Thursday, Franklin Morales likely won't be available again until Tuesday, when Boston opens a homestand against the Rangers. Morales will return to the bullpen at that point.

• Daniel Nava continues to prove himself as one of the most versatile hitters on the Red Sox. With Ellsbury out for the night with a left groin injury, Nava led off for the first time this season.

"It seems like with every day his value and his importance continues to grow. He's playing with a lot of confidence," said Farrell. "He's been a consistent performer for us. He's in the leadoff spot because of the on-base ability and just hopefully setting the table for those guys to follow. But whether it's right field, left field, different spots in the order -- he's gained and owned an awful lot of trust by the staff."