Source: Sox expect Embree to delay opt-out

Though reliever Alan Embree had an April 15 opt-out date in the minor league contract he signed with the Red Sox last month, a source familiar with discussions between the sides expects the pitcher to stay with the Sox for "a few more weeks." Embree made his third appearance for Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday, tossing a scoreless inning of relief while getting a pair of flyouts and a groundout.

Embree has tossed shutout innings in three of his four appearances, though he got touched for three runs in one-third of an inning in his other outing. In his four appearances, Embree has allowed three runs on two hits and five walks in 3.1 innings while striking out three.