Red Sox outfielder Shane Victorino is recovered enough from a hamstring strain that he’s been cleared to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Saturday at Triple-A.
Quinn Roberts of MLB.com reports that Victorino is scheduled to play 5-7 innings in the outfield Saturday and perhaps get in a full game for Pawtucket on Monday and Tuesday, at which point the Red Sox may decide he’s ready to come off the disabled list.
This is the second time Victorino has been on the shelf this season, hitting just .242 with one homer and a .627 OPS in 21 games between the injuries. He hasn’t played since May 24 and his return could push the Red Sox into parting ways with Grady Sizemore, who’s really struggled since a good first week.