Trot

Nixon

Damon was moved to eighth where he went 3-for-4 with a stolen base. Nixon will probably continue to leadoff against righthanders for a short time. He’s only a .244 career hitter in the top spot, but when he has led off innings this year Nixon is hitting .389.

Nixon is playing semi-regularly now and should continue to start most games against right-handed pitching during the last two weeks of the season.

Nixon is scheduled to take live batting practice today, and if all goes well, head to Triple-A Pawtucket for a short rehab stint. He could return to Boston as early as this coming Monday.

Nixon and Pokey Reese are still slated to take live batting practice early next week before possibly being sent to the minors for a brief rehabilitation assignment.

Nixon, who has been out of action for months with a partially torn quadriceps, played five innings in right field without incident. He could be back in Boston by Sunday, but may have to serve a three-game suspension once he is activated.

If all goes well, Nixon will begin a rehab assignment Thursday for Triple-A Pawtucket. Barring any setbacks, he could be back with Boston within 7-to-10 days.

Nixon will then play in Triple-A Pawtucket’s final regular-season game tomorrow and rejoin the team in Oakland for their series beginning on Tuesday. Nixon will return as Boston’s regular right fielder provided he has no problems with his quadriceps that has bothered him all season.

“He’s still a ways away. This thing (partially torn quadriceps), unfortunately, is pretty severe...but he’d be a nice bat to have, even if he can’t play regularly”, said Red Sox manager Terry Francona.

Now he just has to work through his strained quad. Nixon will resume DH duties at extended spring training on Monday.

''The leg responded,’' Nixon said. ''When I do strength exercises, the whole offseason, no problem at all. Same with my back.’' Nixon added that he lost 14 pounds during his workouts. Getting frequent days off against left-handers should allow him to stay healthy enough to play in 130 games this year. The platooning will hurt his run and RBI numbers, but he should still be a $15 player.