Farrell: Ramirez could begin swinging Thursday

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BOSTON - The Red Sox most important hitter is on the mend, but still days away from returning to the field.

Hanley Ramirez has not swung a bat yet since injuring his shoulder crashing into the left-field wall in foul ground on Monday.

But prior to Wednesday's game against the Rays, John Farrell said Ramirez could take the next step in his recovery on Thursday.

"He continues to improve with range of motion," Farrell said. "Tomorrow is not an unrealistic possibility that he could begin to swing a bat, dry swings. 

"But we're not clear yet on when a potential return to full baseball activity let alone a game yet. So, improvement but still day-to-day."

Farrell said Ramirez will travel with the team to Toronto for further evaluation.

As of now, the team is holding off placing Ramirez on the disabled list. But based on what Farrell said on Wednesday, it sounds like he's at least a few more days away from playing in a game.

In the meantime, Allen Craig will get an opportunity to play in his absence. Craig replaced Ramirez in left field on Monday, started there on Tuesday, and was in the lineup there again on Wednesday.

Craig went 1-for-2 with a walk on Tuesday, but was thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double. He's reached base via hit or or walk in five of his last 10 plate appearances, and has hit safely over his last three games.

"Giving him a chance to run with it," Farrell said. "He's someone that's handled right-handed pitching in the past as well. The guy on the mound today is a reverse-split guy as far as numbers go. There's been some quality at-bats the last couple nights from Allen and tying to take advantage of the opportunity with everyday play for him."

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