BOSTON -- Manager John Farrell mentioned earlier this week the need to get Pablo Sandoval (knee) in back-to-back full nine-inning games at Triple-A Pawtucket before he's ready to return from his rehab assignment.

The first nine-inning game will be tonight.

"Tonight and tomorrow," Farrell said here at Fenway Park on Friday. "We'll reevaluate him and where we are on Sunday. See where we go from there."

Sandoval played seven innings at third base Wednesday. He went 2-for-4 with an RBI, walk and two runs.

Farrell wouldn't say when he might be activated. But it seems like he could return Monday if all goes well today and Saturday.

"We'll get a better read after the next couple of days, and I think in more fairness to Pablo, we have to sit down and talk with him. So there's no decision imminent or an announcement at this point. The fact is the other night he swung the bat good. He's moving around well. Those are all encouraging signs."