FORT MYERS, Fla. - On the injury front, the Red Sox’ M*A*S*H unit appears to be getting healthy. Shortstop Julio Lugo (back) was able to take some swings in the cage yesterday. He also ran and played catch. He said he’s been stretching and just wants to take it slowly, but said he’ll be ready for the trip to Japan. While Lugo remains sidelined, rookie Jed Lowrie has been getting a lot of playing time. He feels it’s a good opportunity to prove that he can be a major-league shortstop. He’s hitting .097 this spring, while also playing second and third base.

Center fielder Coco Crisp was at the facility yesterday working on rehabilitating his groin injury, but is still not game-ready.

Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia arrived at work yesterday, but after a brief BP session in the cage, he was sent home due to the flu. He was walking around the clubhouse drinking Pedialyte.

“We thought he was going to throw up on everybody,” joked Francona. “He’ll come out and work out [today], but he’s not going to play.”

-JOE McDONALD