Rodriguez (knee) threw five innings in an extended spring training game Saturday, the Boston Globe reports.
Rodriguez used all of his pitches, and his fastball velocity reached the low 90s, which was good enough to plan his rehabilitation assignment. He's tentatively scheduled to join Double-A Portland and pitch Friday. Manager John Farrell said Rodriguez will need a "minimum of two and possibly three" starts. If it takes two starts, he'll be back around May 3; if three starts are needed, he'll be back around May 9.