Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine hasn't ruled out the possibility that Will Middlebrooks (hamstring) will need a stint on the disabled list.
"He feels better today than he did (Sunday) and better than he expected," said Valentine. "That's the only news we have. It's not discolored and that's good. But it's going to be some days (before he plays). We won't let the calendar dictate; we'll just see how he feels. Maybe (a trip to the) DL, maybe a few days. It's just one of those injuries." Middlebrooks believes he could return to the lineup before the team leaves Oakland on Wednesday, but fantasy owners would be wise to have a backup plan at the ready.