Worth noting

• Reliever Matt Thornton, who left Sunday's game against the D-backs with a strained right oblique, is starting to feel better.

"He feels improved, just by going through range of motion type movements," Farrell said. "If it's not really restricted, he'll play light catch up to 90 feet. A roster decision may have to be made if we don't see further progression by tomorrow. He's improved and we want to give him another day."

• The Red Sox were not short in the bullpen with Thornton unavailable after recalling right-hander Brandon Workman on Monday from Triple-A Pawtucket. Workman replaced Daniel Nava, who is on ths paternity leave, on the roster.

Nava is scheduled to rejoin the Red Sox Thursday in Kansas City.