Projo Sox Blog

BOSTON -- Mike Lowell took batting practice on Friday for the first time since he was put on the disabled list Monday, and he said that he ran better on his surgically repaired hip than at any point in the season so far.

Lowell's bat had noticeable pop to it -- he cranked numerous balls off the lower half of the Green Monster.

More importantly, he felt good when running -- perhaps the best he's felt this season. The week of rest has done him a lot of good.

"I think this was the best I've felt running all year, so those were all really good signs, and the fact that I have another week to really improve on this was really encouraging to me," Lowell said.

The Sox third baseman underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip in the offseason, and worked himself back into shape just in time to start the season. He played nearly every game over the first third of the season, then started to wear down as Boston came into the halfway point. He woke up one morning in pain, and felt worse thereafter. He was placed on the disabled list Monday, and Aaron Bates was recalled from Pawtucket to take his place.

The rest has relieved Lowell of the feelings of pain and weakness in the hip.

"Yesterday was the most encouraging day in a long time for him," manager Terry Francona said Friday. "It didn't hurt. He did everything, it was pain free. He was really excited about it."

After his success in the hitting and running drills Friday, the past two days represent the best Lowell has felt in some time.

"Definitely better than the spring. I'd say better than April. I'd say from a movement, flexibility standpoint, I'm at the best I've been," Lowell said.

The way his body is responding, Lowell fully expects to return when he is eligible: the Friday following the All-Star break.

"I would hope so. I've still got to do it tomorrow and the next day to see how I react, but I'm not anticipating any setbacks at this point," Lowell said.

That said, Lowell may return to action under a different set of rules. Lowell had been communicating regularly with team staff, and Francona was vigilant about checking in with his 35-year-old third baseman. But a more structured schedule of rest is likely.

"I don't think I'm going to play 60 in a row. Probably day games after night games will be the ones that are closely monitored," Lowell said.

When he returns, he wants to keep his body going full-speed -- except for one area.

"I might slow down trying to steal some bags. I have zero this year, so I'm not going to have to slow down a lot," joked the glacially slow Lowell.

So what does he project as his final stolen-base total?

"One. Yeah, one would be good."

 Tags  Boston Red Sox Dan Barbarisi Mike Lowell Terry Francona

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