SAN DIEGO -- As rookie left fielder Andrew Benintendi closes in on a return from the disabled list, the Boston Red Sox appear to be backing off a bit from their other top prospect, Yoan Moncada.
Benintendi, sidelined since Aug. 25 with a sprained left knee, has increased the intensity of his on-field workouts since being custom-fitted for a brace earlier this week. If either high-A Salem or short-season Lowell advances in the postseason, Benintendi could make a brief minor-league rehab assignment, according to Red Sox manager John Farrell. Regardless, though, the team is hopeful Benintendi could be ready to play in big-league games before the end of next week.