Scott Podsednik is optimistic about continuing his success when he comes off the 15-day disabled list, for whatever team it might be. (AP)

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — At least Scott Podsednik is honest.

“You can’t help but think about it because of the amount of outfielders we have,” said the outfielder regarding whom might be the odd outfielders out when Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford return to the Red Sox. “But I’m going to be honest with you to tell you I’m in a place in my career that I’ve become a lot better at worrying about the things I can control and not worry about the things I can’t. That’s the fact of the matter. I’m going to go out and try and stay healthy and try and continue to play my game and help the Red Sox win games. When those guys become available, if I’m still with the Red Sox I’ll be extremely happy. If I’m with another club I’ll go and try and help them. I think a player can waste a lot of time and energy worrying about those situations you can’t control.

“Early in my career I used to read the papers and pay attention to the rumors and wonder if I was going to make a club or if I was going to get traded. You just wear yourself out thinking about that kind of stuff. I’ve just tried to make the adjustments and worry about what I can control.”

Right now, it’s not a dilemma that the 36-year-old has to be consumed with. He will be getting his first rehab assignment at-bats since going on the 15-day disabled list (groin), tonight with the Pawtucket Red Sox, serving as the team’s designated hitter.

But soon, it will become an increased topic of conversation.

Right now there is Daniel Nava (.313 batting average, .429 OBP, still with options), Ryan Kalish (.226 BA, .531 OPS, still with options), Darnell McDonald (.214 BA, .678 OPS, out of options), Cody Ross (.278 BA, .915 OPS, 11 HRs) with Ryan Sweeney, Ellsbury and Crawford currently on the disabled list. Another player in the outfield mix is utilityman Brent Lillibridge, who is out of options.

The good news for Podsednik, that based off his performance in 19 games with the Red Sox, he will be playing somewhere in the major leagues. The outfielder claimed multi-hit games in nine of his 16 starts, stealing six bases while totaling a batting average of .387 and on-base percentage of .409.

And, despite his recent setback, Podsednik stands by his declaration in Miami that this is as good as he has felt throughout his career. It’s a state that he continues to credit to the preparation put in with trainer Eric Minor in Fort Worth, Texas.

“I’m not surprised. I’ve trained really hard to put myself in this position,” he said. “I still feel like I have some gas left in the tank. I feel like I’m a young 36. I’m still running well to steal a base. So if I can manage my injuries and keep myself healthy I feel like I can help somebody.”