Boston Red Sox

Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew, who was not starting Sunday against the Twins, plans to return to the lineup shortly, WEEI.com reports. He believes he'll be over his back issue in the coming days. 

"I hope so. I don’t plan on sitting out much longer," said Drew when asked if believed a return was imminent. "I know I needed that day [Saturday], and then we have the quick turnaround [Sunday afternoon]. Give it one more day and hopefully it kind of settles down and we get back after it."

The shortstop is hitting .321 in May with a .969 OPS. He's being replaced at short and in the lineup by Pedro Ciriaco. 

Red Sox reliever Andrew Bailey, who threw one inning in a rehab assignment Saturday and gave up a run on two hits with two Ks, will be activated Monday, the Boston Globe reports. 

Bailey was on track to be activated Monday, but this has been confirmed. 

Red Sox catcher David Ross (concussion) reported feeling an improvement Sunday, the Boston Globe reports. Ross could begin working out again shortly. 

Ross is still expected to be re-examined Monday. He was eligible to return from the disabled list Sunday, but that obviously did not happen. 

The Red Sox gave outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury a rest Sunday in Minnesota. Ellsbury had played every inning of every game until Sunday, the Boston Globe reports. 

Manager John Farrell wanted to get all the regulars a day off on the road trip. Shane Victorino led off and started in center field. 

Ellsbury is in a bit of a funk. He's gone 8 for 56 (.143) over his last 13 games with two extra-base hits, two RBI, a stolen base and six strikeouts. 

Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew remained out of the starting lineup Sunday in Minnesota. Drew missed his second-consecutive start with a back issue. 

Manager John Farrell came out early Saturday and said that Drew was OK after he played through the back problem Friday. But Drew missed Saturday's game and is not starting Sunday. He may be available off the bench.