PHILADELPHIA -- Some updates on some rehab stints and injured Red Sox players:
Kevin Youkilis. Youkilis was set to play seven innings for Pawtucket Saturday, his third appearance with the Triple A affiliate.
"I told Kevin when he left, when he feels like's he seen the ball enough and when he feels good, to let us know,'' said Bobby Valentine. "It will be soon (that he rejoins us).''
Valentine said he would expect that Youkilis would play a nine-inning game before returning.
"When he feels like he's been put through the test,'' said Valentine, "when he's seen a lefty and righty...whatever he as an experienced hitter feels he needs. And then, of course, the medical people give him a green light. But it seems like the green light is on.''
The likely scenario has the Red Sox activating Youkilis for the start of the three-game series with the Orioles in Baltimore Monday.
Aaron Cook. Cook has been sidelined for two weeks after suffering a gash below his kneecap in a home plate collision.
Boston Red Sox
He threw a bullpen session Saturday afternoon, after which he was expected to have the stitches in the knee removed.
"He's running,'' said Valentine. "He ran (Friday), he ran again today. When he get his legs underneath him, I think we're going to try to get him on a rehab assignment.''
"I feel great,'' said Cook. "I've been able to run, ride the bike, so I feel like things are progressing the way they need to. I'd love to tell you (I'll be ready after) one start or two starts, but until I go out there and do it, I don't know.''
Daisuke Matsuzaka. Matsuzaka is set for his next rehab start Tuesday for Pawtucket, and the following day, his 30-day rehab window is over.
The Sox don't seem inclined to activate him this week, however, believing he needs additional time as he recovers from last summer's Tommy John surgery.
"I talked to him (Friday) and he felt good, but not that good,'' said Valentine. "We're going to see how he feels after his pen (Sunday). It seems like he has a couple of issues that are not where they should be.''
According to Valentine, Matsuzaka is experiencing some soreness in his lower neck area.