FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell returned
to the dugout for the first time since revealing his cancer
diagnosis in mid-August, and his team opened exhibition play Monday
with a 6-0 win over Boston College and an 8-3 victory over
Northeastern.

Farrell missed the final seven weeks of the season while being
treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

''To get back in the flow of things, the game is a lot of fun
regardless of what time of spring training, what time of year and
who you're playing against,'' Farrell said. ''The fact that you're
involved in the game is a really good feeling.''

Farrell said it was a rugged road back.

''There was two months missed last year and some treatments along
the way,'' he said. ''There's some significant things to work
through.''

Farrell announced he had cancer and stepped down on Aug. 14. Bench
coach Torey Lovullo took over for the rest of the season.

The Red Sox annually start their spring schedule with a
doubleheader of seven-inning games against the Boston-area college
teams.

Red Sox star Hanley Ramirez got off to a smooth start in a new
spot, handling a pair of easy plays in his debut at first base in
the opener. He also doubled off the left-field wall and singled.

''I was trying to anticipate everything,'' Ramirez said. ''That's
the key. That's what spring training's about, getting your work
in.''

Before he made his debut at first, Ramirez headed out to a back
field with coach Brian Butterfield for extra work about 8:30 a.m.
for about 25 minutes. When he returned to the clubhouse, he walked
in and tossed his red first baseman's glove about 20 feet to his
locker.

He later used it to handle two very easy plays.

''It's just a matter of watching him in varied game situations and
conditions,'' Farrell said.

Ramirez struggled last year while shifting from the infield to left
field. The Red Sox moved him to first late in the season, but he
didn't play there after being shut down with a shoulder injury.

Mookie Betts hit a three-run homer against BC's Brian Rapp in the
fourth. Red Sox starter Steven Wright struck out four and gave up
two singles in two innings.

Wright had last season cut short due to problems following a
concussion after he was hit in the head by a ball during batting
practice in early August.

Williams Jerez pitched a scoreless inning for the win.

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