Farrell upbeat about return of Pedroia, Ramirez

John Farrell sounded an optimistic note about the health of Dustin Pedroia (knee) and Hanley Ramirez (oblique) prior to Sunday’s game against the White Sox.

Farrell said Pedroia had a “good work day,” prior to Sunday’s game, and added that “Tuesday is a possibility” for him to return to the lineup. In addition, Ramirez was “better today,” and added that his Ramirez’ status “isn’t a DL situation.”

One other interesting wrinkle that Farrell noted: he wouldn’t rule out the idea of having Pedroia work potentially as a designated hitter in hopes of finding a way to get him in the lineup when he returns, along with the red-hot Rafael Devers and Eduardo Nunes.

Farrell also noted that Sunday was going to be an off-day for outfielder Mookie Betts, simply because of the wear and tear he’s endured.

“A well-deserved [off-day],” Farrell said of Betts, who led the team in games played (107) coming into Sunday’s clash with the Chisox. “The number of games and number of innings he’s been on the field, I figure, give him today and tomorrow, and a chance to re-energize somewhat before we get into a tough and challenging road trip ahead.”

Farrell also expanded a little more on the extra work his team has gone through this year when it comes to extra-inning games. The Red Sox have played 13 extra-inning games this year, tied for most in the American League and tied for fourth-most in the majors. They’re 10-3 in those games.

“I think more than anything, we’ve been come accustomed to it, or comfortable with it,” Farrell said. “I saw that because of the way we’ve executed late in ballgames when there’s no margin for error. Our bullpen has responded extremely well to that; we got a timely hit after Craig's [Kimbrel’s] ninth-inning against the Indians. Come extra innings, it’s no big deal, as far as what you feel and hear in the dugout.

“We’ve had 13 extra-inning games, and the fact that we’ve been able to have the record we’ve had in those 13 games speaks to our ability to execute pitches and make defensive plays late in ballgames.”