Shane Victorino: 'I should be the starting right fielder'

Shane Victorino hasn't swung a bat in nearly four months after undergoing back surgery to repair a bulging disc. His confidence, however, is showing no signs of rust.

Victorino, who missed 125 games in 2014 with back and hamstring injuries, is eager to return to the diamond and earn the $13 million due his way next season. He's also itching to prove his worth in a crowded Boston Red Sox outfield that currently has nine players competing for three spots.

"If you think there’s somebody better in right, be my guest," Victorino told WEEI.com on Thursday. “Obviously health will dictate that. But if I'm healthy if there’s a better outfielder in right field then show me and go out there and do it. I'm not saying that in a cocky or arrogant way. It’s just how confident I am to know I should be the starting right fielder."

Victorino is set to take swings Monday for the first time since July, looking to regain the form that saw him slash .293/.351/.451 and produce 5.6 WAR during his first year in Boston. 

If Victorino proves healthy, his two-way play figures to make him a good bet to beat out a field of competitors that includes Allen Craig, Mookie Betts and Brock Holt. The 11-year veteran said he expects to be ready by February.

"We have no intentions of taking it slow going into spring training," Victorino said. "That might be a mindset that changes, but as of right we’re focused on being ready for the first day of spring training and doing everything from the start to when things pick up."