Worth noting

• David Ortiz entered Friday's game in an 0-for-22 slump. His longest streak of hitless at-bats as a member of the Red Sox is 23 in 2011, and the longest during his career is 27, a streak that spanned three seasons from 1998-2000.

"Again I think it's more timing, and when he's getting ready to execute his swing," said Farrell. "Right now, at times, he's been a little late."

• With the White Sox in town, Farrell took a moment to reflect on pitching coach Juan Nieves, who spent five seasons as the bullpen coach in Chicago.

"I think he epitomizes what a coach is," Farrell said. "He's there countless hours for every guy that is in need."

• Alex Wilson, who has been on the disabled list with a sprained right thumb and hasn't pitched since Aug. 8, was scheduled to make a one-inning rehab appearance with Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday. Farrell said Wilson could rejoin the team at some point in September, but noted, "We have to take this in gradual steps here."

• The 12th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon raised more than $3.3 million in the 36-hour broadcast spanning Tuesday and Wednesday, raising its 12-year total to more than $34 million in donations for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

• Friday was Ted Williams' birthday. Born in San Diego, Williams had 17 All-Star seasons and holds the all-time MLB record for career on-base percentage (.482).