Dunn’s return may be soon

Adam Dunn missed his fifth straight game because of a right oblique strain on Tuesday, and while the slugger is feeling better and is getting closer to returning to the lineup, he and manager Rob

wouldn’t be expected to rush the comeback this time.

But after the Tigers’ 5-3 win on Tuesday, Ventura raised speculation that Dunn might play Wednesday.

“Maybe Dunner is ready,’’ Ventura said. ‘‘There is [a chance]. We’ll check him and see how he’s doing.’’

Before the game, Dunn said, “I want to wait until I have no problems as opposed to coming back a day or two early and having this thing do this again and missing significant time,” adding he was “stupid” when he pushed the issue coming back the first time.

Dunn took an injection and is getting treatment from trainer

Francisco Liriano accepted his move to the bullpen, which may be temporary. The left-hander with good stuff but not-sogood command might get a start against the Twins this weekend.

He pitched in a key relief situation Tuesday and was charged with two runs in the eighth inning without retiring a batter.

“Sometimes I try to do too much and that’s when I get myself into trouble,’’ Liriano said before the game.

Specialist

More from the Tigers-Sox series. 0-for-20 against him. He got Fielder in a key spot on Monday as well. While not the power option that lefty Matt Thornton affords, Veal has a better breaking pitch.

“He just has a deceptive delivery and a great curveball,’’ Ventura said. “It’s pretty good.’’

Game time changed

The start time for the Sox home game on Tuesday, Sept. 25 has been changed from 7:10 p.m. to 1:10 to avoid conflict with Yom Kippur. Third baseman Kevin Youkilis, who has missed games in the past to observe it, wasn’t the sole beneficiary, Ventura said.

“A lot of people wouldn’t be able to come to the game and probably one of them is our owner [ Jerry Reinsdorf] so … That’s a big factor. That’s a good enough reason, the fans. That’s good enough for me.’’

Notes

The Sox have 33 homers in their last 17 home games. They are batting .193 with runners in scoring position over their last 12 games.

The Tigers’ Jose Valverde has converted 13 consecutive save opportunities. He has 29 this season.