Betts expects to play in Game 3 despite re-aggravating wrist injury

It's win or go home for the Boston Red Sox after two straight demoralizing losses, and with the team backed up against a wall heading into Game 3 against the Houston Astros, it'll have to make do with its best position player at less than 100 percent.

Outfielder Mookie Betts said his injured left wrist flared up in the top of the eighth inning of Friday's 8-2 loss, but is confident he can play through the issue.

"Even if it (Game 3) was tomorrow, I could play tomorrow. It's just one of those things, it's going to take time to heal. It can't get worse," Betts told Rob Bradford of WEEI.com. "But like I said, it's going to take time to heal. We don't have that kind of time right now."

Betts first hurt his wrist on Sept. 25. He underwent a CT scan that revealed no structural damage, and received a cortisone shot in an effort to reduce inflammation.

Despite the injury, the 25-year-old still slashed .281/.361/.583 with six home runs and 24 RBIs in September. In Boston's first two postseason games, he has three hits and one run scored.