Hideki Okajima told Red Sox manager Terry Francona that he felt some discomfort in his hamstring Thursday.

"Actually, right before I was coming up here, they kind of ran in (to the trainers' room)," said Fracona. "We'll sit down with him and just make sure he's OK. It didn't look like anything was different. If he locates, his velocity is always the same. If he locates, he's real good. If he doesn't locate, he gives up runs." Okajima gave up a run on two hits and a walk over one-third of an inning Thursday and has a 10.00 ERA over his last 11 appearances.

While acknowledging that his back is not yet 100 percent, Hideki Okajima is available for Friday's game against the Blue Jays.

"The condition of being able to throw is better. It causes a little pain, even when I was running. I'm not 100 percent yet but I'm able to throw so that's why I'm pitching in the games now," Okajima said through translator Ryo Shinkawa. The Japanese left-hander has appeared in just one game since June 29 due to back stiffness.

Hideki Okajima returned to action on Tuesday July 6.

Hideki Okajima (back) is expected to be available Tuesday night.

The left-handed Okajima has not pitched in the month of July due to back stiffness. He has a 5.81 ERA, a 1.82 WHIP and a 21/12 K/BB ratio in 33 appearances (26 1/3 innings) out of the Boston bullpen this season.

Hideki Okajima was unavailable against the Rays on Monday due to back stiffness.

That explains it. Okajima hasn't pitched since June 29, so one wonders if this injury has been lingering for a while. Consider him day-to-day for now.