CLEVELAND -- Bobby Valentine praised infielder Pedro Ciriaco before Friday's game.

“He seems like he’s unfazed by that role,” Valentine said. “He’s getting more playing time. We’ll see if we can get him on course.”

While Ciriaco's best position is second base, he's played a good amount at short and the Red Sox might also try him in the outfield.

“There are a lot of everyday players who don’t have his skills,” Valentine said.

The Red Sox might ask Ciriaco to play winter ball, possibly to work on his outfield skills. He wasn’t in the lineup on Friday after going 2-for-4 on Thursday with a double.

Heating up
Of course, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez was in the lineup in the cleanup spot. He leads the majors with a .416 average with runners in scoring position, .511 since June 20.

“Early on he was experimenting with a lot of different approaches,” Valentine said. “He found something he’s comfortable with. He’s been outstanding all year. I’m amazed how he goes out there every day and performs at a high level.

“He’s comfortable now.”

Injury updates
The plan was for injured DH David Ortiz to run the bases on Saturday and possibly play on Sunday.

He’s still expected to run the bases on Saturday, but maybe not at full speed.

Left-hander Felix Doubront, who has two losses and two no-decisions in his last four starts, will skip his next turn in the rotation. Valentine said right-hander Aaron Cook will start on Wednesday.

“Right now a little blow for Felix is what the doctor ordered,” Valentine said. “It’s more out of necessity than anything.”

There’s no plan right now for Doubront to go on the disabled list.

Beer OK on the road
Speaking of the clubhouse, John Lackey, according to a report on CSNNE.com, was seen walking around after Thursday’s game with a beer in each hand. Valentine said before the season that beer would be banned in the clubhouse, but that rule was later clarified. Beer is allowed in the clubhouse on the road, just not at home or on return flights back to Boston.

Valentine had no problem with the beer and said he had a few himself after the game.