FORT MYERS, Fla. — Jarren Duran and Vaughn Grissom have yet to make their spring debuts as they work their way back from injury, but the two both got in the batters box Tuesday, a notable step forward towards their expected return to the lineup this weekend.

Duran and Grissom each took part in a live batting practice session thrown by left-hander Joely Rodriguez, swinging freely and without any obvious discomfort. The pair each got multiple at bats, and after the session both appeared pleased with how things went.

And here’s Jarren Duran with a base hit up the middle. pic.twitter.com/leGUyPiMnY

— Mac Cerullo (@MacCerullo) February 27, 2024

Duran is in the final stages of his recovery from toe surgery, which prematurely ended his season last fall, and Grissom is working his way back from a minor hamstring injury suffered while taking part in Trevor Story’s infield camp earlier this winter.

In addition to the two batters, catcher Connor Wong (elbow soreness) also participated in the session and completed some throwing drills to third and first base after Rodriguez was finished. Wong has served as a designated hitter the last two days but is expected to get back behind the plate soon.

Casas feeling better

Alex Cora told reporters in Jupiter that Triston Casas (flu) is getting better and is expected back at the Red Sox facility on Wednesday. It will likely be a couple of days before the 23-year-old first baseman gets into a game, but Casas should be back in the lineup by the end of the weekend.

Who’s up next?

Josh Winckowski will get the start for the Red Sox on Wednesday against the Washington Nationals, and he’ll be followed out of the bullpen by Joe Jacques, Zack Kelly, Greg Weissert, Jorge Benitez, Cam Booser and Luis Guerrero. Alex Cora indicated that most of the lineup from Tuesday’s game, which featured Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, Bobby Dalbec and Pablo Reyes, will play again on Wednesday as well. Garrett Whitlock is scheduled to start on Thursday against Detroit at JetBlue Park.