PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo (lower back) was examined by team physician Thomas Gill yesterday morning in Fort Myers. The examination went well, but according to manager Terry Francona, Lugo is still not ready to play. He has missed eight games this spring due to the nagging injury and it’s possible he won’t make the trip to Japan next week. The Red Sox are being very cautious with Lugo. In the meantime, Alex Cora and Jed Lowrie have been filling in at shortstop.

There was no new news to report on center fielder Coco Crisp (groin), who also remains sidelined.