Hanley triples in return from hand injury

TORONTO -- Hanley Ramirez was back in the Red Sox's lineup in Wednesday's 11-2 loss to the Blue Jays for the first time since he took a line drive off the left hand while running the bases last Wednesday. He had been coping with swelling associated with the hand bruise, which delayed his return, but he was good to go for the Canada Day matinee at Rogers Centre.

"Good batting practice [Tuesday]," Boston manager John Farrell said before Wednesday's game. "He still feels it a bit in that hand when he does swing, but he's good enough to go."

Ramirez started in left field and hit cleanup, going 1-for-4 with a triple and scoring a run.

Catcher Ryan Hanigan (right hand fracture) rejoined the Red Sox on Wednesday morning, but he wasn't in the starting lineup. Though his activation appears imminent, bad weather delayed his flight to Toronto and he wasn't afforded enough time to prepare. As such, Hanigan will remain on the 60-day disabled list for at least one more day.

"Ryan was delayed overnight in Philly because of weather and cancellation of flights," Farrell said. "… Not wanting to force him into the lineup with a late arrival, he's not active today."

Hanigan's return from the DL would give the Red Sox three catchers. Farrell said earlier in the series that carrying all three could be a possibility considering the bullpen is stocked with eight arms. Sandy Leon was behind the plate Wednesday as right-hander Rick Porcello took the mound for Boston.

Worth noting

• Dustin Pedroia is expected to take batting practice ahead of the series finale Thursday as he works his way back from a right hamstring strain. Farrell said Pedroia's mobility has improved day by day, but he couldn't say if the second baseman would require more than the minimum 15 days on the DL, or if Pedroia would benefit from additional time off as the team rests during the All-Star break.

Video: BOS@TOR: Pedroia gives injury update on Pedroia

"That balance will be brought into the discussion at the right time," Farrell said.

• Daniel Nava (left thumb strain) is due to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday. He'll appear as the designated hitter for the PawSox.