Victorino remains away from team with flu

By Maureen Mullen / Special to MLB.com

BOSTON -- Red Sox right fielderShane Victorino, on the disabled list retroactive to March 30 with a right hamstring strain, continues to stay away from his teammates as he deals with flu-like symptoms.

Victorino took part in the pregame ceremony for Friday's home opener, when the Red Sox celebrated their 2013 World Series championship, but left Fenway Park after the ceremony.

Manager John Farrell said Victorino would likely report to the clubhouse Saturday night during the game to get treatment and leave before his teammates return to the clubhouse.

"He's still in that phase," Farrell said. "I don't have an update on how long his separation from the team will be. That'll be dependent upon how quickly he gets through the flu."

Whether Victorino's illness affects the progress and rehab on his hamstring remains to be seen.

"I can't tell you if it's going to prolong the DL time or when his date of return will be," Farrell said. "I don't think we had a specific date on the calendar that we expected him back regardless of the flu. So [we've] just got to progress through it."

Worth noting

• Left-handed reliever Craig Breslow, on the disabled list retroactive to March 21 with a left shoulder strain, made his second rehab appearance for Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday night.

He threw one scoreless inning, in the second of back-to-back appearances, giving up a hit with one strikeout. In two appearances spanning 1 2/3 scoreless innings, he's allowed one hit and two walks with one strikeout. Although, he was eligible to be activated Saturday, the Red Sox weren't ready to make the move.

"When his activation is yet to be determined," Farrell said. "The rehab plan was calling for two days down after back-to-back days, so we've got to get through these next two days first.

"[His stuff] continues to improve. He's getting closer. [Friday] was his fifth overall appearance [including Minor League Spring Training games]. So, we'll sit down and talk with Craig a little bit more specifically on what the next step is."

Asked whether it could be another Minor League game, Farrell replied: "All of it is a possibility."

• Buchholz made his first career appearance against the Brewers on Saturday night. In five previous appearances against National League teams, he was 4-0 with a 3.08 ERA. He last faced an NL team on June 19, 2012, earning the win over the Marlins.

• Including Friday's loss, this is the first time the Sox have lost their first two home games since 1997.

• Dustin Pedroia went 1-for-5 with a run scored and has hit safely in all five games.

• Xander Bogaerts went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, a double, and a walk, and has now reached base three or more times in three games this season. He has recorded a hit in four out of five games.

• The Sox, who did not spend one game at or below .500 last season, have been below .500 twice already this season.

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