Projo Sox Blog

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

WASHINGTON, D.C. _ Terry Francona says he's learned from his mistakes.

The Red Sox manager says he needs to do a better job giving veteran third baseman Mike Lowell days off now and again. After a three-day blow, including two games, Lowell is back in the lineup Tuesday night against the Nationals.

Francona believed it was a much-needed rest for the 35-year-old Lowell, who had offseason hip surgery.

"I hope so. I hope it helped a lot," said Francona. "I think he was pretty sore. That's my fault because he's willing to go out there and never complains, I should have probably sat him a few times. I didn't and I need to do better in that area."

Prior to Tuesday's game against the Nationals, Lowell was hitting .300 in his last 23 games with 12 RBI. Overall he's hitting .288 with 10 homers and 41 RBI.

Before and after each game, is normal to see Lowell walking around the clubhouse with a huge ice pack on his hip. Still, it has not effected the way he's played this season. He'll be the first to admit he's lost a step on the base paths, but he's been solid at the hot corner.

"I don't think it effects him too much," said Francona. "Once the game starts, he's going to play the game. I think decelerating is what gets him. He just got a little worn out. That doesn't mean he was playing bad. I feel responsible because I need to be a little smarter."

Lowell has played 65 of 70 games so far in 2009.

 Tags  Mike Lowell Red Sox Terry Francona

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