Breslow pitched an inning in Tuesday's spring training game. Pitching in an actual spring-training game is something Breslow was unable to do last year because of shoulder soreness. He's well ahead of last year's schedule and is preparing for a role as Boston's top left-hander in the bullpen.

Breslow threw a side session Friday, something he didn't do until the very end of the last year's spring training, the Boston Herald reports.Breslow, who recently signed a one-year deal with Boston, was delayed last year after a lengthy playoff run with Boston. He never regained effectiveness in 2014 and had the worst season of his career. Breslow will pitch in middle relief for the Red Sox and could pick up some late-inning assignments when a lefty is required. He's proved to be equally effective against right-handed and left-handed batters.

Breslow signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Red Sox on Friday, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports. The Red Sox previously declined Breslow's $4 million option for 2015, but will welcome the lefty back at the 50 percent markdown. Breslow turned in one of his worst seasons in the majors in 2014, posting a 5.96 ERA and 1.85 WHIP in 54.1 innings, but he recorded a 1.81 ERA in 61 appearances the year before.

The Red Sox declined the $4 million club option on Breslow, the Providence Journal's Brian MacPherson reports. Breslow had a $100,000 buyout clause, which allowed Boston to get out of the contract with the lefty reliever. He posted a 5.96 ERA in 54.1 innings last season, so this shouldn't come as a surprise.

Breslow earned his first save of the season Monday, firing a perfect 10th inning against the Blue Jays. After Koji Uehara was used in the ninth inning, the Sox turned to Breslow to close out the win. The lefty has struggled this month in a middle relief role, allowing six runs in 11.1 innings out of the bullpen. He owns a 4.74 ERA and 1.72 WHIP for the season.

Breslow allowed a run on two hits in 1.1 innings in Thursday night's loss to St. Louis. He served up a 423-foot homer to Kolten Wong and has now allowed homers in his past three outings. Breslow's performance in 2014 has been nothing like it was in 2013 when he shouldered some of the set-up work late in the season. The left-hander has a 5.01 ERA and 1.79 WHIP with 24 walks in 41.1 innings.

Red Sox activated LHP Craig Breslow from the 15-day disabled list. Breslow got a late start to the season while working his way back from a shoulder issue, but he made three rehab appearances without incident. He'll once again be a key part of the Red Sox' bullpen this season.

Craig Breslow (shoulder) is likely to be activated Wednesday. A previous report indicated that Breslow could be activated Monday, but he actually made a third rehab appearance with Triple-A Pawtucket instead. The southpaw will get the day off Tuesday before joining Boston's bullpen.

Craig Breslow (shoulder) is scheduled to pitch at Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday and Friday. If the back-to-back appearances go smoothly, he should be activated from the 15-day disabled list over the weekend. Breslow was sidelined for much of the spring with a shoulder injury. He posted a dominant 1.81 ERA in 59 2/3 innings last season for the Red Sox.

Red Sox placed LHP Craig Breslow on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 21, with a mild left shoulder strain. Breslow has pitched in a couple minor league games this week, but he's simply not ready yet. He'll be eligible to return on April 5, and manager John Farrell said the left-hander's stay on the DL will be "minimal."