Time to make a move
Roster space needed with Lowrie, Lowell returning
TORONTO - Julio Lugo was the only Red Sox player who did not attend a mandatory workout last night, an absence manager Terry Francona said owed to a communication mix-up.
So while Lugo’s nonappearance may have been a coincidence, it may also have been a fitting sign for his future with the club.
The Red Sox will certainly make one roster move today to make room for Clay Buchholz, tonight’s starting pitcher. They may also make a move soon that could cut ties with Lugo, the shortstop whose lukewarm tenure began in 2007 and could end as soon as this weekend.
With Jed Lowrie nearing his return from wrist surgery, the Red Sox need to make space for him. A FoxSports.com report yesterday afternoon stated the Sox are “desperate’’ to trade Lugo because of Lowrie’s imminent comeback. The Sox could also release Lugo, according to the report.
For now, the Red Sox have made nothing official. Lowrie went 0 for 4 for Pawtucket last night, and Francona said the Red Sox wanted to watch him before making any decisions.
“Maybe, maybe not,’’ Francona said when asked if there would be a second roster move today. “That’s the best I can do. We just don’t know for sure. Our move or moves, we’ll make [today].’’
Even if Lowrie cannot return until tomorrow, third baseman Mike Lowell is also ready to return from the disabled list. “He showed up with a smile and he’s ready to go,’’ Francona said.
“He may have to leave at some point,’’ Francona said. “If he does, it’s with our blessing. As long as he’s comfortable being here, great. As soon as he’s not comfortable being here, he’ll be gone. That’s how we feel about it.’’
