Sox drawing up hip maintenance program for Lowell

WASHINGTON -- Mike Lowell was back in the starting lineup tonight, hitting fifth behind David Ortiz. Lowell has had some time to rest his sore hip the past few days, playing only once since last Friday. The Red Sox are planning to put Lowell on a maintenance program starting next week where he'll receive at least one day off a week and receive occasional lubricating injections to ease the friction in the cartilage in his hip.

The Red Sox will ease off on Lowell much like the New York Yankees have with Alex Rodriguez, who also had hip surgery, and will make sure he's rested accordingly.

With Lowell and Ortiz playing Kevin Youkilis gets a night off. Terry Francona said, "We're just trying to mix and match and keep guys fresh. We'll see how each day goes."

Francona said he's hitting Ortiz fourth because, "we're just trying to add some balance to the lineup. I don't think it matters, this (moving up in the lineup) was not by design. With the interleague there's going to be some inconsistencies in the lineup." Francona said he was "thrilled" to be able to move Ortiz up in the lineup. "How many guys who have done what David has done just hit anywhere in the lineup you put them? I appreciate that."

Francona indicated that he likes bringing Mark Kotsay in for Ortiz at first base but only if the Sox have a good sized lead after the sixth inning. He'd rather stay away from Youkilis tonight if he can.