Cora: Mookie 'would be leading off today' if later in season

The Boston Red Sox will be without star outfielder Mookie Betts for the fifth straight contest Thursday night as they open a four-game series against the Houston Astros. Betts, who hasn't played since May 26, has been out with a side injury.

Manager Alex Cora suggested the injury isn't serious and the team is being overly careful since the season is still young.

"We feel if this was late in the season he would be leading off today," Cora said, according to Bill Koch of the Providence Journal. "It makes no sense for us to push him. We've been taking care of guys since Day One of spring training and we will today."

Cora's original hope was for Betts to return for the series opener in Houston, according to The Boston Globe's Pete Abraham on Tuesday. Even then, Betts was believed healthy enough to play in a game with greater stakes.

Betts has ramped up his baseball activity and is slated to spend time in the outfield during batting practice. He remains day to day, but the team will reevaluate on Friday.

Brock Holt is starting in right field Thursday night and has been one of the primary options with Betts on the shelf.