DETROIT -- Alex Cora (sprained right elbow) and Sean Casey (right hip strain) will be heading to Pawtucket this week for what they hope will be brief rehab assignments.

Cora is expected to join the PawSox for games tonight, tomorrow and Friday. Casey will be reporting for games tomorrow and Friday.

Cora had an early workout yesterday at Comerica Park.

The reason for his early workout was that the utility infielder had secured some tickets for last night’s Celts-Cavaliers playoff game in Boston.

Manager Terry Francona was not the least bit upset that Cora flew home before last night’s game. In fact, Francona, a big fan of the Celtics and coach Doc Rivers, said he encouraged the utility infielder to go.

“I told him he was crazy not to take off (early),” said Francona with a smile yesterday afternoon. “He goes with my blessing. The only thing I’m mad about is I’m not with him (at the game).”

-STEVEN KRASNER