--OF Rocco Baldelli is tentatively scheduled to play in a minor league rehab assignment game with Class AAA Pawtucket (R.I.) on Monday if things go according to plan. The right-handed hitting outfielder is on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring, and will play designated hitter during the rehab game. If the Rhode Island native plays at Pawtucket's McCoy Stadium on Monday, it'll be the first time he's played there since starring for Bishop Hendricken.

--RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka is scheduled to throw a side session on Saturday and will make a rehab assignment start with Class AAA Pawtucket (R.I.) on Tuesday night. The 28-year-old righty, on the 15-day disabled list with a slightly strained right shoulder, is scheduled to throw three innings or 45-50 pitches during the minor league appearance. Matsuzaka will pitch in at least two more rehab starts before he'll be ready to rejoin the Red Sox. "He tested out really well with arm strength (on Friday)," said Sox manager Terry Francona. "He is starting to throw the ball with some velocity."

--OF Mark Kotsay is expected to play designated hitter for Class AAA Pawtucket (R.I.) on Saturday during his minor league rehab stint, and then will play defensively in the outfield on Sunday. The first baseman/outfielder -- barring any setbacks to his surgically repaired back -- should be ready to come off the 15-day disabled list and rejoin the Sox as soon as next week. With OF J.D. Drew battling tightness in his left quad recently, the Sox could certainly use Kotsay to help spell Drew when the starting right fielder has trouble answering the starting bell.

--OF Jacoby Ellsbury leads the major leagues with 10 stolen bases through the month of April, which is also a franchise record for the most steals by a Sox player during the first calendar month of the season. Kenny Lofton was the last player with more steals during the month of April when he swiped 11 stolen bases in April during the 2007 season while playing for the Cleveland Indians. Ellsbury stole 50 bases in 61 attempts for the Sox last season as a rookie.

--OF Mark Kotsay will begin a rehab assignment with Class AAA Pawtucket on Saturday. The 33-year-old underwent the second back surgery of his career this winter, and had been working out over the last few weeks in extended spring training. Kotsay missed all of spring training rehabbing from the injury. He hit .276 with six home runs and 49 RBIs in 110 games with the Sox and the Braves last season. Kotsay will serve as a fourth outfielder for the Sox upon his return in the next few weeks.

MEDICAL WATCH:

OF Mark Kotsay (back surgery in January 2009) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He will begin a rehab assignment with Class AAA Pawtucket on May 2, and he could be back with the Red Sox as soon as May 3.

OF Rocco Baldelli (strained left hamstring) went on the 15-day disabled list April 21. The injury was considered minor. He is schedule to begin a rehab assignment with Class AA Pawtucket on May 4.

1B Kevin Youkilis (sore back) did not play April 29. He returned to action April 30.

OF J.D. Drew (sore left quadriceps) left the April 26 game. He did not play April 27, was back in the lineup April 28 and then was sidelined again April 29. He returned to play April 30.

RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (mild right shoulder strain) went on the 15-day disabled list April 15. He threw on flat ground April 21 and threw long toss April 27.

SS Jed Lowrie (sprained left wrist) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 12. He had surgery April 21, and he is expected to be out until the All-Star break.

RHP John Smoltz (right shoulder surgery in June 2008) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He was hoping to pitch for the Red Sox in June, but the timetable might be pushed back after he suffered a setback April 30. He was shut down from throwing for 10 to 14 days.

RHP Miguel Gonzalez (sore right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 14.

ROTATION:

RHP Josh Beckett

LHP Jon Lester

RHP Tim Wakefield

RHP Brad Penny

RHP Justin Masterson

BULLPEN:

RHP Jonathan Papelbon (closer)

LHP Hideki Okajima

RHP Ramon Ramirez

RHP Manny Delcarmen

RHP Takashi Saito

LHP Javier Lopez

LHP Hunter Jones

CATCHERS:

Jason Varitek

George Kottaras

INFIELDERS:

1B Kevin Youkilis

2B Dustin Pedroia

SS Nick Green

3B Mike Lowell

DH David Ortiz

SS Julio Lugo

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Jason Bay

CF Jacoby Ellsbury

RF J.D. Drew

OF Jeff Bailey

OF Jonathan Van Every