In what appears to be the surest sign that Mark Bellhorn's days with the Red Sox are numbered, Francona deferred any questions about Bellhorn's status to general manager Theo Epstein. Bellhorn, who went on the DL July 18 with a strained left thumb, has struggled in his rehab assignment with Pawtucket, hitting .111 (5-for-45) with 15 strikeouts in 11 games. Position players cannot stay on a rehab assignment more than 20 days, so the Red Sox have to make a decision with Bellhorn by Saturday.