BOSTON -- Designated hitter David Ortiz was able to participate in baseball activities on the field Thursday afternoon at Fenway Park, and there’s a chance he could return to the lineup this weekend, according to manager Bobby Valentine.

Ortiz, who has been on the DL with a right Achilles strain since July 17, was eligible to be activated on Wednesday. He said he’s feeling much better and showed no ill effects during his BP session on Thursday. He also participated in light jog intervals on the outfield grass at about 90 feet.

“David Ortiz felt really good [Wednesday] and he feels as good today,” Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said. “We’ll probably know after the workout what his limitations might be, if any.”

When Valentine was asked a timetable for Ortiz’s return, the manager said, “Maybe sometime on the weekend.”

Five and counting for Crawford: Outfielder Carl Crawford is in the lineup for the fifth consecutive day and is feeling good. Valentine spoke with him early on Thursday before the left fielder spent some time being examined by the medical staff and was given the “thumbs up,” according to Valentine. ... Shortstop Mike Aviles (turf toe) took early ground balls on Thursday and said he felt good and ready to go afterward. He actually thought he would be in the lineup, but instead Pedro Ciriaco is starting at short. Valentine did say that Aviles is a “full go.” ... Catcher Kelly Shoppach, who did not play on Wednesday because of a sore shin he suffered after fouling a pair of pitches off his leg on Tuesday, also is ready to go. ... Red Sox reliever Andrew Bailey will make his second minor league rehab appearance for the GCL Red Sox on Friday in Fort Myers, Fla.