ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Boston Red Sox are coming out of the All-Star game with encouraging reports on pitcher Josh Beckett and outfielder Carl Crawford.
Manager Terry Francona says Crawford is set to return from a strained left hamstring on Monday. Crawford will begin a two-game minor league rehab assignment at Triple-A Pawtucket Friday.
Francona says he expects Crawford will play Monday night when the Red Sox open a three-game series at Baltimore.
Beckett was scratched from the All-Star game after feeling soreness in his left knee while warming up in the bullpen. The right-hander remains scheduled to start Sunday’s game at Tampa Bay.
The Red Sox were off Thursday and worked out at Tampa Bay.
