Worth noting

• Red Sox closer Koji Uehara celebrated his 39th birthday on Thursday, but has shown no signs of slowing down.

"I think a lot of people think that he's just come on to the scene with his performance last year," said Farrell. "I've said this repeatedly -- this has been an outstanding pitcher for a number of years, whether it was in Japan or here in the States.

"The fact that he is of the age he is, that's a testament to his work ethic. If you see what he goes through after he pitches late at night, with a workout, there's a reason why he's been durable and an elite performer. He's talented and he's got a great work ethic."

• Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino already had to miss the trip to the White House because of the flu, and there's a chance he'll also be absent during Friday's ring ceremony.

"He's in quarantine. He's got the flu," said Farrell. "He was able to go in and get treatment on his [right] hamstring, but other than that, we're keeping him away from everybody else. He's still highly contagious."