Projo Sox Blog

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- J.D. Drew is not in the starting lineup today because of a sore back.

This is not an injury that is expected to keep the All-Star right fielder out of the lineup for more than just Wednesday's matinee series finale against the Twins.

Manager Terry Francona said Drew "tweaked" his back on a swing during Tuesday night's game and his back stiffened as the game went along. Francona took out Drew in the top of the ninth, shifting his outfielders around.

"I would never take J.D. out for defense," said Francona. "He hurt his back. It's not as bad as it was in Japan, in his words."

Drew missed the two games in Japan that Boston played against Oakland. Francona said he expected Drew to be able to play Friday when the Red Sox, after a scheduled day off on Thursday, will play host to Baltimore in the first game of a three-game series that leads into the All-Star break.

The Sox' starting outfield today is Manny Ramirez (left), Jacoby Ellsbury (center) and Brandon Moss (right).

 Tags  Boston Red Sox J.D. Drew

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