MIAMI -- The Red Sox had planned for outfielder Cody Ross to begin his rehab assignment next week when the team returns home from its current road trip. But Ross is feeling so good that the team has moved up his schedule and now Ross will begin a three-day stint with the Pawtucket Red Sox in Buffalo this Friday.
Ross, who suffered a broken bone in his foot last month, was scheduled to run at full throttle for the first time Monday. He'll take batting practice, take fly bals and continue to run while the Sox are here.
"I don't foresee anything being an issue,'' said Ross. "I've been hitting on the field and I injured it hitting. It feels great. I've been running. I ran about 80 percent Sunday and have no soreness today. It's all positive stuff.
"I don't think baserunning will be an issue, or agility.''
Aaron Cook, who has been out after suffering a gash below his left kneecap last month, will begin a rehab assignment Wednesday at Lowell of the New York-Penn League.
"Everything's doing well,'' reported Cook. "No restrictions. I'm able to run, throw, lift. I'm making progress in the right direction.''
Cook estimated that he would be limited to 45-50 pitches Wednesday, with two more rehab starts scheduled after that.
Boston Red Sox
Daniel Nava, who was scratched Sunday because of a sore left hand, was out of the lineup again Monday night. Manager Bobby Valentine said the outfielder "probably needs another day or so.''
Carl Crawford took live batting practice and is scheduled to increase the distance on his throws from 45 feet to 75 feet Tuesday. He'll go to Fort Myers when the team leaves Miami.