Outfielder Mike Cameron admittedly isn’t 100 percent.
After playing his second rehabilitation game for Triple-A Pawtucket on Tuesday against Gwinnett, it’s the closest he’s been to returning to Boston since he was placed on the disabled list April 19 with a lower abdominal strain.
The best indication Cameron is getting closer came in the second inning. After drawing a walk, he ran from first base to third on Josh Reddick’s single.
“I’m getting close but I’m not quite there,” Cameron said after going 1-for-3 in a game Pawtucket won, 5-1. “I’m able to run now. But I’m still not quite where I want to be.
“After a few more games, I think I’ll be okay.”
Cameron, who batted leadoff and played center field, easily handled two routine fly balls and backed up on two plays.
He lined a 1-2 pitch from right-hander Jason Parr to center in the first. After advancing to second on a passed ball, Cameron tagged up and moved to third on a fly ball to center by Angel Sanchez.
Cameron struck out swinging against right-hander Cristhian Martinez in the fourth and popped out to second in the seventh.
“Playing in the field was the next test,” Cameron said. “I got a chance to get after a couple of balls, which was good for me, and get on base and run around a little bit.
“Most importantly, I’m starting to feel like I’m getting back into some type of baseball rhythm. Besides my body feeling comfortable, I’m starting to feel my swing is coming back a little bit. Getting my rhythm back is my second-most important thing.
“Now,” added Cameron, “I want to see if I can do some damage with my bat.”
Cameron is scheduled to take off on Wednesday and meet with Boston’s medical staff before a decision is made on whether he’ll play in more rehab games.