Projo Sox Blog

BOSTON -- The Red Sox' rehabbing third baseman, Mike Lowell, was hitting the ball out of Fenway Park with ease during batting practice on Saturday.

That was a good sign, especially given the fact he's been on the disabled list with a strain in his surgically repaired hip. In all likelihood, he will be activated on Friday in Toronto.

For the past two days, Lowell has been able to hit, field and run with no ill effects.

"He had a really good day [Friday]," said Francona. "He was really pleased."

Due to Sunday's matinee, the Red Sox will not hit on the field, but Lowell will still have an "active morning" according to Francona. If Lowell continues to progress, the club plans to activate him on Friday.

Prior to his trip to the DL, Lowell played 68 games and Francona admitted he should have been more vigilant with giving Lowell days off due to the sore hip.

"Looking back, I think there were some days when I felt I should have interceded and said, 'Mike, you're not playing today.' Now saying that, he felt good, and to be honest, I don't know if it would have helped," Francona said. "Sometimes I think you get in the way of players by resting them when they don't need it. Now that we've gotten to this point, I'm not going to let him talk me into [playing him.] There will be some forced days off in the second off -- for sure."

Because of Lowell's recent setback, he also knows he'll have to be more selective in the second half of the season and not push himself too much.

"We'll try to pick spots where it works for everybody," said Francona.

-- JOE McDONALD

 Tags  Mike Lowell Terry Francona

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