Moreland was removed from the Red Sox's Grapefruit League lineup for Wednesday's game against the Twins while he tends to a case of the flu, Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. He's set to fly back to Boston is expected to remain away from the team for at least a few days.

EDGE Analysis

The flu bug has run rampant in the Red Sox clubhouse of late, so the team will quarantine Moreland as they attempt to enter the regular season at optimal health. The Red Sox will wrap up their spring schedule with two exhibitions in Washington against the Nationals on Friday and Saturday, but Moreland won't be joining the team for either contest. The team is simply hoping that with five full days off for rest, Moreland will be ready to go for the Opening Day game Monday against the Pirates. With Hanley Ramirez (shoulder) limited to DH duties and Josh Rutledge (hamstring) set to open the season on the DL, the Red Sox may have to recall Steve Selsky from Triple-A Pawtucket to provide the team with another option at first base if Moreland is unable to take the field for Opening Day.