Projo Sox Blog

TORONTO -- A morning conference call was held to plot a plan for sidelined third baseman Mike Lowell.
Lowell, his agents, members of the Red Sox training staff and front office, two hip specialists from New York and the veteran's agents -- Sam and Seth Levinson -- were on the call. Lowell has been plagued by a right hip ailment for most of the season. The ailment turned more serious Tuesday night in Tampa when he had to come out of the game.
It was determined this morning to give Lowell the weekend off to rest the hip. He's also been given additional medication to go along with the anti-inflammation medication he's been taking for the past few months.
The Sox hope that the inflammation subsides over the weekend and Lowell can get back into the lineup on the final homestand to get his timing down at the plate before the start of the playoffs.
``I'm actually really pleased with the conversation we had,'' said lowell. ``We're all on the same page.''
Lowell was re-assured by the specialists that he can't do further damage by continuing to play.
``The doctors told me that there's a very good possibility that I will get back to where I was before Tampa,'' said Lowell.
Tuesday night in Tampa, Lowell felt pain while charging a grounder, then was later hobbled after singling in his final at-bat.
He's facing off-season arthroscopic surgery to correct the ailment and perhaps shave down some of the bone spurs near the hip. Such a procedure could take four-to-six months to recover from, but Lowell added that prognosis was designed for footnall players who are involved in more contact.
Lowell believes he would be ready for spring training.

The news was less definitive regarding J.D. Drew, who is attempting to get past a herniated disc in his lower back.
``He's slightly better,'' reported Terry Francona of Drew, before adding that the outfielder hadn't done much physical activity with Thursday's off-day.
Francona wouldn't commit to Drew getting in the lineup this weekend.
``I.really don't know,'' he said. ``I don't know it it's realistic or not. He feels he's getting better and he really drives the ball in batting practice. But then it grabs at him.''
Drew has been out of the lineup since Aug. 17.

Jason Bay, whose wife gave birth to a baby girl Tuesday night, rejoined the club this morning and is in the lineup.
Bay, who left Tampa Tuesday morning when his wife went into labor, arrived to the Boston hospital about 45 minutes before the birth, which was a relief.
``To go all the way and miss (the birth) by a little bit would have been heartbreaking,'' he said. ``I'm glad I was there.''
Leaving his wife and newborn daughter was difficult, but made easlier by the fact that he will return Sunday night.

Julio Lugo (quad) went through an early workout on the field, but according to Francona is ``not that close'' to getting onto the field.
``He wants to play before the end of the season,'' said Francona, ``but I don't know if that's realistic.''

After returning home to the Domincian Republic, Bartolo Colon has decided to remain there and has been placed on the restricted list. He can be taken off that list if the Sox decide to do so, but the team does not expect him to return this season.

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