By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

TORONTO — Shane Victorino is available to the Red Sox tonight and John Farrell expects him to start on Friday in Texas.

Victorino has been out of the lineup seven straight games with a strained lower back. He took optional early batting practice and then regular BP before the game. Victorino was moving around pretty well.

David Ortiz is getting what Farrell said was a planned day off. He has played in seven consecutive games and the Sox do not have a day off until May 13.

Ortiz was running a bit gingerly on Wednesday night. The Red Sox are trying to be proactive with his injury. Plus it gets Mike Napoli off his feet for a night.

Also:

• Clay Buchholz was named the American League pitcher of the month.

• LHP Craig Breslow is pitching an inning for Pawtucket tonight. He will stick with the PawSox through the weekend and pitch again. Then he will be evaluated.

• Jarrod Saltalamacchia turns 28 today.