BOSTON -- Darnell McDonald, on the disabled list retroactive to May 12 with a right oblique strain, is expected to start a rehab assignment with the Triple-A Pawtucket today.
Manager Bobby Valentine said McDonald is expected to play five innings tonight and have Saturday off.
The PawSox host Toledo Friday night for the second game of an eight-game homestand.
Ryan Sweeney, on the 7-day concussion DL, is moving around nicely, Valentine said.
He doesnt have much stiffness in his neck, but I dont know what the update is on the MLB test that he has to pass before he resumes baseball activities.
Cody Ross was in the clubhouse before Fridays game with a boot on his left foot after suffering a navicular bone fracture when fouled a ball off the foot on May 18.
He came into the office today and said his foot feels great and in his mind it shouldnt be much more than the disabled list that hes on, Valentine said. Its all about pain. Hes got to be true. What I said to him: Be true to yourself, be true to us. If you dont feel anything, hey lets go play. If you feel something, give it more time. Theres no other way of doing it. And as general manager Ben Cherington said, if the follow-up MRI comes and shows some healing, then well know that just a little more time will be all the healing.