BOSTON -- For the first time since he strained his oblique muscle, Cole Hamels played catch Tuesday and, more importantly, reported no residual soreness on Wednesday. He is expected to continue to play catch through the end of the road trip, then will be evaluated by team medical director Dr. Keith Meister before the Rangers start a regimented rehab schedule. Hamels is expected to be out until early July.

“Everything was right in line with what we were hoping for,” Hamels said. “The response from my body was good.”

Horrible forecast: There is a significant chance of rain Thursday that could wash out the series finale and cause a ripple in the schedule. According to weather.com, there is a 50 percent chance of showers starting Thursday around noon with increasing chances of precipitation through mid-day Friday. Since this is the only trip to Boston for the Rangers this year, they would have to come back to make up a game on a mutual off day.

Perhaps the most convenient opportunities for both teams come the first week of August when both teams each have a pair of off days. On August 7, the Rangers are scheduled to have an off day in New York after a Sunday game in Minnesota. Boston will have just completed a homestand before heading to Tampa Bay. Both teams are also off August 10th, but if the game is moved to that day, it would create a 20-day stretch without an off day for the Rangers.