Andrew Bailey (thumb) allowed one run on four hits Sunday in a rehab appearance at Double-A Portland. Bailey came in for the seventh inning, and reportedly displayed improved velocity. While he's moving in the right direction, he's still likely at least a few weeks away from returning.

Andrew Bailey (thumb) will make his next rehab appearance Sunday with Double-A Portland. Bailey is likely to use most, if not all, of the available 30 days before rejoining the Red Sox. His effectiveness coming back from a significant injury remains to be seen. According to the Boston Herald, Bailey reached 92 mph in his last outing, which is slightly lower than his average fastball velocity.

Andrew Bailey (thumb) tossed a scoreless inning Wednesday in his first minor league rehab appearance with Gulf Coast League Red Sox. Bailey allowed one hit and struck out two. He's been out all season following thumb surgery in early April, so he will likely need most of his 30-day rehab window to get ready. However, he still makes for a worthwhile DL-stash for those in need of saves.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine has indicated that Andrew Bailey's (thumb) rehab assignment will be a lengthy one. "It's a process," Valentine said. "Weeks. At least weeks." Bailey's rehab assignment begins Monday with the Gulf Coast League Red Sox, and he'll slowly work his way up the organizational ladder. He should join the Red Sox' bullpen in late August.

Andrew Bailey (thumb) will begin a rehab assignment Monday with the Gulf Coast League Red Sox. Bailey is scheduled to throw one inning, and will likely need six rehab appearances before rejoining the Red Sox. When Bailey returns, it'll likely be in a setup role.

Andrew Bailey (thumb) threw 20 pitches of live batting practice Wednesday in Arlington, Texas. Up next for Bailey is a minor league rehab assignment. He's expected to make around 6-7 appearances on the farm before joining the Red Sox bullpen in mid-August. The right-hander will serve as a setup man initially.

Andrew Bailey (thumb) will throw batting practice Wednesday and be cleared to begin a rehab assignment if it goes well. ESPN's Tim Kurkjian reports that Bailey is expected to need 6-7 rehab appearances before joining the Red Sox bullpen, which would put his return in the middle of August. He's expected to be used in a setup role ahead of Alfredo Aceves.

Andrew Bailey (thumb) will throw another bullpen session Friday. It will be his third since he resumed throwing from a mound. Bailey is feeling well and seems likely to start a rehab assignment before long. "It's definitely progressing the way I want to and it's going really well,'' he said. "First time I started throwing pens a couple of weeks ago, I just wasn't feeling right. But I think we kind of nipped it in the bud and, unfortunately, it took some more time. But as long as I'm healthy and going in the right direction, that's what counts.''

Andrew Bailey (thumb) threw a 20-pitch bullpen Sunday. Bailey is scheduled to throw another bullpen Wednesday in Boston before being re-evaluated. It's possible, if not likely, he'll be cleared for a rehab assignment by next week. His timetable for returning isn't yet known, but this would indicate that he's progressing ahead of schedule. When Bailey returns, it will likely be as a setup man.

Andrew Bailey (thumb) is close to resuming throwing from a mound. Bailey long-tossed from 180 feet and also made 15 throws off flat ground Thursday. The right-hander isn't expected to return until well into August, at the earliest, and it will likely be as a setup man. Keep him stashed only if you have adequate roster space.