Reliever Craig Hansen, a first-round pick in 2005 who has stalled badly the last two seasons, recently underwent a procedure to correct sleep apnea.

The problem is said to have limited Hansen’s ability to rebound from workouts, as he often found himself tired.

For the time being, in the immediate aftermath of the procedure, Hansen is limited in his physical work. But after the first of the year, he intends to work out daily in a closely structured program in Southern California.

“We met with him at the end of the season,” said general manager Theo Epstein, referring to himself, manager Terry Francona and pitching coach John Farrell, “and we filled him in on what our expectations were.”

The feeling around baseball is that Hansen could well be part of an offseason deal by the Sox, as his arm is still valued despite his inconsistency as a pro.

-SEAN McADAM