Projo Sox Blog

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- For the fourth day in a row, Mike Lowell participated in the on-field drills.

The veteran third baseman, who had hip surgery last November, took ground balls and made throws to second and first. He will have Sunday off from on-field activities, but he will work out inside the Player Development Complex.

"I'm surprised at what he's able to do," said manager Terry Francona. "[Hitting coach Dave Magadan] is thrilled with his hitting. He's out there taking ground balls, but he's not diving. The progression is good. It's been a progression, which is important and he hasn't taken any steps backwards."

When Lowell arrived in camp he said his goal was to play in a few exhibition games before the start of the regular season. While that actually may happen, the Sox will not push him to play in a game down here.

"He's a ways away from playing," said Francona. "When the medical people clear him, that's when we'll do it. By then, baseball-wise, he'll be in pretty good shape because he'll have a lot of repetitions between now and then."

 Tags  Mike Lowell Red Sox spring training

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