Bidding to become the majors’ first 18-game winner, Rick Porcello allowed Evan Longoria’s tying homer in the eighth before leaving with 7 2/3 innings pitched. It was Longoria’s 30th homer.

Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval has started doing defensive drills as part of his rehab program following season-ending left shoulder surgery in May.

Boston's Andrew Benintendi tries to get to his feet after injuring his leg in a double play in the seventh inning Wednesday night in St. Petersburg, Fla. Benintendi left the game. Associated Press/Chris O'Meara

UP NEXT

WHO: Red Sox (Pomeranz 2-2) at Rays (Odorizzi 8-5)

WHEN: 1:10 p.m. Thursday

TV: NESN

Sandoval joined his teammates for Wednesday night’s game at Tampa Bay. He took pregame grounders at third, and made throws to first and second base.

“I feel a lot better,” said Sandoval, who has been working out six days a week at the Red Sox spring training complex in Fort Myers. “It’s not back to normal, but feeling a lot better. I’m happy to be back here with my teammates. Happy to start doing work.”

He has not been cleared to start hitting. Sandoval is expected to be ready for spring training next year.

The 30-year-old Sandoval played three games in his second season with Boston. He was the 2012 World Series MVP with San Francisco.