Projo Sox Blog

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

NEW YORK -- Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon (back strain) is playing catch at 120 feet while he continues his rehab and throwing program. According to Red Sox manager Terry Francona, the right-hander isn't too far away from getting on a mound. Francona also said that could happen early this week when the club returns to Fenway Park on Monday.

Meanwhile, Red Sox slugger David Ortiz (wrist) will be evaluated when the club returns to Boston.

"He'll try to step up the volume," said Francona.

If things continue to progress, there's a chance Ortiz will make a minor-league rehab stint after the All-Star break.

"I think he's actually pretty up beat for the most part about it," said Francona. "It is something that you can't say didn't happen, you deal with it the best we can and that's why we're trying to go on a consistent time frame and not hurry something along that shouldn't be hurried. So when he does come back, even though he may feel it, it won't get in the way of him being successful."

The club's medical staff has told Ortiz and Francona that there will be some discomfort from time to time, but that doesn't mean it will keep him off the field.

Basically, the Red Sox won't rush the process.

"After this All-Star break we're going to have to gear him up and get him some at-bats live," said Francona. "How we do that will be determined by what we feel is in his best interest."

 Tags  Bartolo Colon David Ortiz Red Sox Terry Francona

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