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Lugo in Pawtucket tomorrow

Email|Link|Comments (11) Posted by Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff April 20, 2009 09:45 AM

Julio Lugo is set to join the Pawtucket Red Sox tomorrow and begin a rehab assignment. The Sox shortstop, who had meniscus surgery on his right knee March 17, has been rehabbing in Fort Myers. He was in the Sox clubhouse this morning and was working out in the outfield this morning with the team's medical staff.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona had no idea how long Lugo would be there before coming back to the parent team, but wanted to make sure Lugo went through a normal progression of building up innings in the field. Francona said Lugo played five innings in Fort Myers.

"I feel much better. There's not the much pain," Lugo said, noting that he was at about "80 percent" right now. He said he still felt some pain in some "little spots" when he squatted all the way down and to the right but otherwise.

Lugo said he enjoyed the Florida weather but "I was anxious to get back." He said he was anxious to return regardless of Jed Lowrie's wrist injury.

In other news this morning:

Daisuke Matsuzaka, who is on the 15-day disabled list, will play catch tomorrow while continuing his shoulder strengthening program in the weight room.

Francona thought that facing 6-foot 10-inch lefty Mark Hendrickson this morning would help David Ortiz rather than hinder him. "It'll make David stay on the ball," said Francona. "I think that will be good for him." Francona said he and his staff decided Ortiz didn't need a day off to regroup following Sunday's game despite his .170 average and obvious struggles at the plate.

Jonathan Van Every, who has also been working out in Fort Myers, will join Pawtucket tomorrow as well.

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11 comments so far...

Am I the only one hoping Lugo is the backup for Nick Green?

Posted by Basin April 20, 09 10:18 AM

I 2nd that one Basin....I like what the kid has done so far....leave him in there!

Posted by Adam Z April 20, 09 10:33 AM

Nick Green has certainly earned his due in the SS spot, but for the all the money we are paying Lugo, we gotta try and get SOMETHING for it.

Posted by James April 20, 09 10:44 AM

No, Basin, but Lugo makes $9m/yr. That pretty much decides who plays.

Posted by SoPoJim April 20, 09 11:07 AM

If Lugo struggles for an extended period of time I hope that Francona has the wherewithal to let Nick Green replace him on a more permanent basis. Or better yet, the Front Office tries to address this need with a midseason trade for someone.

Of course, this is assuming that Jed Lowrie is going to be gone for a VERY long time (as in season ending surgery)... what's the latest on him?

Posted by Lugo's Last Chance April 20, 09 11:22 AM

Lugo is a much better player than Nick Green - he should be the starter. Green is a good (but not great) backup player.

Posted by Mike April 20, 09 01:17 PM

I think we all hope Lugo is Nick Green's backup

Posted by Dave April 20, 09 01:36 PM

yes you are

Posted by Pa soxfan April 20, 09 01:54 PM

"I feel much better. There's not the much pain," Lugo said, nothing that he was at about "80 percent" right now.

So did Lug say 'nothing' ? or Did the author intend to imply that Lugo noted that he was about ...

Posted by the_return3 April 20, 09 03:16 PM

Lowrie is expected back as early as the All-Star break after the surgery. Lugo should split time/compete with Green while Lowrie is out. If one of them clearly "wins" the spot while waiting for Lowrie's return, then they should hold it until Lowrie gets back. Lowrie should return as the starter, and whoever is the best of Lugo/Green should be the backup. Lowrie is the starting shortstop this year and he shouldn't lose his spot because of the wrist. He was well on the way to taking that spot from Lugo last year, even before the quad injury. Can we trade all three for Hanley Rameriz ????

Posted by Wilk April 20, 09 04:34 PM

1. Nick Green is not a "kid". He'll turn 31 during the season. Lugo is 33.
2. Julio Lugo has 1,141 hits in the majors. Nick Green has 175.
3. There's a reason Nick Green has been in six organizations in less than five years.... He's a 'AAAA' ballplayer or major league spare part at best.
4. The only reason you want Nick Green is not because he's better, but because his name is not "Julio Lugo".
5. It's not Julio's fault Theo gave him all that money -- just like it wasn't Edgar's....
6. All that said, I hope Nick continues to do well enough because he's the Sox SS right now, and so he can stay on a ML roster & possibly qualify for his pension...

ff or

Posted by little dirt April 20, 09 06:58 PM