The Boston Red Sox probably will start the season without shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, who is expected to miss opening day because of inflammation in his right Achilles’ tendon.

“I think it’s more unlikely as time goes on,” team doctor Bill Morgan said Saturday in Fort Myers, Fla. “We wouldn’t rule it out, though.”

Garciaparra was injured three weeks ago when he was hit in the right heel by a ball during batting practice. He has not played since March 17, going hitless in eight at-bats in four games this spring.

Garciaparra took about 20 swings in the batting cage before Saturday’s game against Philadelphia, then took about 20 grounders at shortstop. He said he was not thinking far enough ahead to consider whether he would miss the opener.

“I’m definitely going to be out a few more days. I’m still optimistic, though,” he said. “We’re trying to knock it out now so it doesn’t come back.”

Rangers reliever Jeff Zimmerman will have exploratory surgery to determine the extent of the latest damage to his right elbow. He expects to miss at least six weeks.

The New York Mets traded outfielder Timo Perez to the Chicago White Sox for right-hander Matt Ginter.

Perez is a .276 career hitter with modest power. He was one of five Mets competing for playing time in right field this spring.

In spring training games:

Twins 3, Pirates 0

At Bradenton, Fla., Johan Santana pitched two-hit ball for five innings, and Torii Hunter hit a three-run homer off Kris Benson.

Reds 10, Indians 2

At Sarasota, Fla., Jung Keun Bong had a brief but impressive first showing with Cincinnati, facing only three batters in a scoreless inning.

Braves 6, Mets 4

At Kissimmee, Fla., Chipper Jones homered, and Russ Ortiz pitched five scoreless innings for Atlanta.

Astros 5, Blue Jays 3

At Dunedin, Fla., the Astros got a scare when starting shortstop Adam Everett was hit in the face by a pitch from Miguel Batista. Everett left with a bruise on his lip and nose.

Tigers 9, Dodgers 2

At Lakeland, Fla., Mike Maroth allowed just three hits in six scoreless innings.

Red Sox 7, Phillies 2

At Fort Myers, Fla., Curt Schilling struck out 10 in 61/3 innings.

Cardinals 5, Expos 4 (10)

At Jupiter, Fla., Jason Marquis pitched shutout ball into the sixth inning for St. Louis.

Brewers 4, Mariners 1

At Phoenix, Doug Davis allowed one run on seven singles in 51/3 innings, and Junior Spivey homered off Eddie Guardado.

Rangers 4, White Sox 3

At Surprise, Ariz., Laynce Nix, Mark Teixeira and Kevin Mench homered off Esteban Loaiza.

Rockies 6, Athletics 5

At Phoenix, Jermaine Dye hit a grand slam, but Shawn Estes solidified his spot in Colorado’s rotation by pitching 52/3 solid innings.

Giants 11, Angels 6

At Tempe, Ariz., Bartolo Colon allowed two runs and seven hits in five innings.