Shane Victorino feels healthy and wants a starting role with the Boston Red Sox.

The outfielder had back surgery last August, but took batting practice this week.

"I'm planning on getting into the game as soon as we can, as soon as the games start," Victorino said. "There's no limitations in my mind. I don't know from a medical standpoint what they have in mind. But the discussions we had, I told them I'd be ready to go Day 1, the 25th, when we report as a team. I plan on doing every single drill and everything as a team."

Victorino plans to be in right field for Opening Day on April 6.

"I have no intentions of being a bench player," he said. "I say it with the utmost respect of the guys who are in the outfield and I'm going to compete against. If I'm healthy, I think that will take care of itself.

"I'm focused, I'm prepared and I did everything I could possibly do to prepare myself. I'll be ready for the challenge and I'll be ready to go and have some fun."