BOSTON - As of last night, there was still no word about the status of Coco Crisp’s appeal of his seven-game suspension. The fear is that, even if Crisp gets some reduction, he might have to start serving the suspension this weekend in Houston, where, without the use of the DH, the Sox will need to put Manny Ramirez (hamstring) back into the lineup.

Without Crisp, that would leave Brandon Moss as the only extra outfielder. If Ramirez felt any tightness, that would put Moss in left and leave the Sox with only Alex Cora and/or Julio Lugo as outfield possibilities.

Francona said the team has given thought to just that scenario, but for now the Sox believe that Ramirez will hold up. If the team needs to summon an outfielder, it could choose from among Jonathan Van Every or Chris Carter from Pawtucket.