Projo Sox Blog

The big news with the Red Sox today is about a guy who is playing, not those who have the night off.

J.D. Drew will make his return after missing five weeks because of back problems. Drew had several setbacks in his bid to return, but has had much improvement after receiving a second epidural earlier this week.

``He had a real good day yesterday (taking batting practice) and he ran around the outfield pain free,'' Sox manager Terry Francona reported. ``He had very good range of motion. . . He may not play a full game. I know that sounds a little spring training-ish, but that's probably the best way we think we can go about this.''

The goal is to get Drew some at-bats while trying to insure he does not go backwards health-wise.

``We'll try to balance that,'' the manager said. Drew just finished taking batting practice now and looked comfortable. He gave no obvious indication of any problems.

Receiving a second epidural _ the first was a month ago _ was a key.

``He seemed to think it really helped,'' Francona said. ``That's why they did it. We're glad.''

Drew will play right and hit fifth. He was already dressed and gone when the media was allowed in the clubhouse this afternoon. The clubhouse, by the way, survived the champagne and beer party last night when the Sox clinched a playoff berth. The cleaning crew did a terrific job. There even was a vase of flowers in the clbhouse.

Jed Lowrie and Jason Bay are being given the night off. Francona said he plans to give Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis time off, too, but did not want to rest too many guys at once.

Here are tonight's lineups:

CLEVELAND

Sizemore Cf
Carroll 3b
Choo Rf
Peralta SS
Martinez C
Hafner DH
Francisco Lf
Garko 1b
Barfield 2b

Carmona P

BOSTON

Ellsbury Cf
Pedroia 2b
Ortiz DH
Youkilis 3b
Drew Rf
Kotsay 1b
Varitek C
Carter Lf
Cora SS

Byrd P

 Tags  J.D. Drew Red Sox Terry Francona

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