BOSTON -- When the Red Sox leave for a West-Coast road trip following Wednesday afternoon's game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Jacoby Ellsbury will head down to Fort Myers to participate in Gulf Coast League action.
Ellsbury will join Carl Crawford, who's already down there. Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said on Tuesday that Ellsbury "might be DH'ing" on Friday, which also means that Crawford will be ready to play the field.
Crawford was apparently already ready to play the outfield in the Gulf Coast League, but recent rain has prevented that from happening.
"The rain has been the update on Crawford," said Valentine before Tuesday's game. "He's taking batting practice. We're trying to figure out if it's better to move or to play. They say the storm's coming up the northeast. I don't know.
"But I think after tomorrow, Jacoby's going to go back down there too. So, at least they'll not be playing, together, if the rain continues."
Ellsbury took part in on-field batting practice on Tuesday at Fenway, and Valentine is intrigued at what he and his staff have seen.
"Dave Magadan really likes the way he's looking," said Valentine. "I saw him yesterday. He looked strong."
Boston Red Sox
Ryan Sweeney (foot) had his boot taken off, and has a special shoe made for his inner left sole.
Andrew Bailey (thumb) played catch today, just days after a minor setback, and felt "pretty good" according to Valentine. The next step for Bailey will be throwing off flat ground, and then to the mound.