Red Sox manager John Farrell said he expects Craig to be on Boston's roster this season, WEEI.com reports. What else would Farrell say? Craig's value is at its lowest and he doesn't have a spot in the starting lineup. Farrell will try to find at-bats for Craig this spring and get him untracked for the start of the regular season. He'll backup Mike Napoli at first base and Hanley Ramirez in left field.

Craig had two hits and reached base four times in Saturday's split-squad game against the Orioles. Craig has his head down, focused on having a good spring and seeing where the baseball gods take him. At this point, he's nothing more than a backup with Boston, but if he hits well this spring, he could find himself involved in a trade to a better situation.

Craig has "much more life in his bat," according to manager John Farrell, the Boston Globe reports. Craig has looked good in batting practice, suggesting that his fully healed left foot gives him a better base and stronger swing.

Craig reported to training camp Sunday and said he had a normal workout schedule in the offseason, WEEI.com reports.Craig experienced foot problems in 2013, which impacted his ability to prepare for 2014, when his OPS fell to .594. He understands there isn't a position in Boston's starting lineup for him, but Craig is prepared to work hard in spring training.

Craig said a foot injury impacted his preparation for the 2014 season and added that there are no such problems has he prepares for the 2015 season, the Boston Herald reports. From 2011-2013, Craig hit .312 with an .863 OPS, but fell off to .215 and .594 last season. Craig said his foot felt fine for most of the 2014 season, but feels it impacted his leg strength. At this point, with Mike Napoli at first base and a crowded corner-outfield group, Craig is somewhat redundant on the roster. That situation suggests a possible trade, but with his value at a career low, the Red Sox are loath to move Craig. Both Craig and the club are motivated to let the healthy version of the player report to spring training and build toward the season.

The Red Sox are intent on finding a role for Craig in 2015, WEEI.com reports. "Allen can play first in addition to the two corner spots in the outfield. I think we're focused short-term with Allen right now," general manager Ben Cherington said. "It's one of the things we'll be able to figure out as it gets closer to opening day. He can protect us at a bunch of spots and we know if he's doing what he's capable of doing he can play everyday somewhere." Craig doesn't have an obvious everyday role. Mike Napoli is expected to start at first base while the corner outfield spots are filled by offseason addition Hanley Ramirez and lead-off candidate Mookie Betts. And we haven't even talked about former gold-glover Shane Victorino. The Red Sox are content to let it play out in spring training and see where Craig is at. He hit just .128 with a .425 OPS after joining Boston last season. Cherington and manager John Farrell want to see what Craig can do with an offseason of full health while starting the year in the Boston organization.

Craig does not need anymore testing on his foot, Maureen Mullen reports. Good news for Allen Craig feels like a rarity at this point. His anemic .215/.279/.315 line from 2014 could be a result of being unable to properly land on his lead foot, but any optimistic projections for him should still be approached with extreme caution.

Craig (personal) is back in the lineup Wednesday against the Rays. Craig was away from the team Tuesday attending to a personal matter, but as expected, he's back at first base Wednesday in place of Mike Napoli (foot). The 30-year-old Craig will look to record his first career hit off Rays starter Jake Odorizzi (0-for-7).

Craig was not with the team Tuesday due to personal reasons, but he is scheduled to return prior to Wednesday's game, WEEI's Rob Bradford reports. He missed his second straight game Tuesday, but it sounds like there's a chance he could be back in the lineup Wednesday, and at the very least, later in the week.

Craig is out of the lineup Sunday against the Orioles, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports. Craig has started four straight games between first base and right field for the Red Sox, but will get a regular day of rest Sunday afternoon. Daniel Nava will take over at first, while Bryce Brentz will draw his first start of the season in right field.