FORT MYERS, Fla. -- As decisions on the Opening Day roster loom, John Farrell made two things pretty clear Monday, barring any unforeseen developments: Shane Victorino is his everyday right fielder to start the season and Koji Uehara will open the season on the DL.
At the start of camp, Farrell said he envisioned Victorino in right as long as he was healthy. And six weeks into camp, though Victorino had a couple of setbacks earlier, he's held up and was playing in his third straight game Monday night.
Asked point blank whether Victorino was his everyday right fielder, Farrell said: "As of today. There's no reason to back away from what was previously stated. I think it's been abundantly clear that his intensity and game speed have picked up dramatically.''
And where does that Rusney Castillo, who's had a strong camp, too?
"To be determined,'' said Farrell.
That determination, though, is almost certain to find Castillo in Pawtucket to start the season, caught in a roster crunch. Daniel Nava is the only lefty outfielder and is out of options, while providing insurance at first base.
Meanwhile, Allen Craig, is considered a valuable insurance piece at a number of positions on the field (left field, right field, first base, DH) and the Red Sox aren't about to give him away, especially with Mike Napoli and Shane Victorino in the final year of their respective deals.
Boston Red Sox
As for Uehara, who suffered a strained left hamstring two weeks ago, he threw a bullpen session Monday, but the Sox see no need to rush him just to have him available for the first series or two of a long season.
"I don't think there's anything to suggest that, come next Monday, he's in our bullpen,'' said Farrell.
The Sox will carry at least seven relievers, and absent Uehara, Junichi Tazawa, Edward Mujica, Alexi Ogando, Anthony Varvaro, Craig Breslow, and Tommy Layne are virtually assured of spots.
But thanks to the injury to Uehara and the likelihood that Joe Kelly starts the year on the disabled list, the Sox could have two openings -- however temporary.
"I don't have seven names to give you right now,'' said Farrell. "We've still got some things to determine. Whether we go with an extra lefthander or righthander (With Uehara out) we could be down to three righties. All of these things are factored in. I do know this: as we get to the final week in camp, the guys we thought would be in contention (lefty Robbie Ross, Matt Barnes and Brandon Workman) are moving in the right direction."