Red Sox's Castillo 'making solid progress' in rehab from oblique injury

While the seven other outfielders in Boston Red Sox camp compete for playing time, Rusney Castillo is just trying to nurse himself back to health. 

The 27-year-old was projected to be the team's Opening Day starter in center field, but that responsibility could fall to Mookie Betts as Castillo deals with a strained left oblique. 

While the injury, suffered Tuesday swinging a bat, has Castillo sidelined indefinitely, he is showing signs of progress. 

"He did some work in the pool today, in addition to the elliptical," manager John Farrell told Ian Browne of MLB.com on Friday. "He's starting to gain a little rotational movement. We may even put a ball in his hand tomorrow to do some light throwing. It's not an intense throwing - it's more just to increase the rotation. 

"The next step is to get him on some ground-based work and that would include some light running as well. Two days ago, there was concern, and rightfully so. He's making very solid progress."

Browne notes that if Castillo's progress continues on its current trajectory, he should be ready near the end of camp. 

Signed to a seven-year, $72.5-million deal last August, Castillo slashed .333/.400/.528 with a pair of home runs and three stolen bases in 10 games last season.