I look forward to getting back to work in the next several days.”LESTER SURGERYWashington Nationals left-hander Jon Lester is leaving spring training camp to have surgery for the removal of his thyroid gland. He underwent chemotherapy treatments and returned to the Red Sox at spring training before the following season. Soto’s spring training start was delayed because he fouled a ball off his right foot in live batting practice Sunday. Martinez had two hits for a second straight game, driving in his first two runs of spring training. Jarred Kelenic, Seattle’s top prospect, hit a two-run homer and Taylor Trammell hit a solo homer.

SALEM, Va. – Courtesy: Ben Gellman/Salem Red SoxThe Salem Red Sox were out-slugged Wednesday, losing the rubber match of their three-game series to the Potomac Nationals 9-4 at Haley Toyota Field in Salem. Potomac (8-6) drew level with the Sox atop the Northern Division of the Carolina League and took the series two games to one. Salem relievers tossed 18.1 of the 27 innings against Potomac throughout the series. Potomac opened the scoring very early against Salem starter Darwinzon Hernandez (L, 1-1), who walked leadoff man Blake Perkins before striking out Carter Kieboom. Reetz flew out to right, but Masters and Sundberg connected for back-to-back two out singles to score Kieboom and Noll.