FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) – Terry Francona downplayed his first game in four seasons as a manager when he led the Boston Red Sox against the Minnesota Twins in the exhibition opener for both teams Thursday night.

“I really didn’t look at it” as a special game, he said before it began. “Every game will mean a lot to me.”

Francona, who managed the Philadelphia Phillies from 1997 through 2000, succeeded Grady Little, whose contract wasn’t renewed after last season.

Francona spent 2003 as Oakland’s bench coach before Boston hired him on Dec. 4.

“I’m very proud to be a part of this and I’m excited. It’s the first game,” Francona said. “but I’m not going to save the lineup card or something like that.”

Outfielders ailing

CF Johnny Damon is expected to play for the first time Saturday after dealing with a right elbow injury. He’ll probably sit out Sunday’s game against the Yankees then play again Monday. Francona wasn’t sure when RF Trot Nixon would return. Nixon is suffering from a muscle injury in the back of his leg.

Making his pitch

David McCarty is scheduled to throw one inning Friday night against Northeastern in his bid to make the team as a first baseman-outfielder-lefty reliever.

McCarty’s only pro pitching experience was two innings in the minors in 1999, but he’s been working out as a pitcher and position player in camp. He played with Boston late last season and was re-signed to a minor-league contract.

Who’s on first?

DH David Ortiz would like to spend more time at first base and Francona will give him a chance. But the manager is happy with the way he hit as DH last season.

“You’ve got a guy that pretty much DH’d all but 45 games last year, came in fifth in AL MVP voting,” Francona said. “I think he did pretty good doing what he’s doing but it’s early.”

Kevin Millar is the regular first baseman, but Francona said Ortiz would play there in Friday afternoon’s game against Boston College.

Full house

All 40 players on Boston’s major-league roster are under contract after the team announced Thursday that the last 13 unsigned players had agreed to one-year deals.

They are RHP Bronson Arroyo, Colter Bean, Jamie Brown, Jerome Gamble, Reynaldo Garcia, Bryan Hebson and Anastacio Martinez, LHP Lenny Dinardo, Mark Malaska and Phil Seibel, C Andy Dominiqu and Michel Hernandez and IF Kevin Youkilis.