BOSTON -- J.D. Drew was out of the starting lineup Wednesday because of a sore back.

This is not an injury that is expected to keep the All-Star right fielder out of the lineup for more than just yesterday’s game.

Manager Terry Francona said Drew -- who missed the first two games of the season in Japan because of back pain -- "tweaked" his back on a swing during Tuesday night’s game and it stiffened up as the game went along. Francona said he expected Drew to be able to play Friday when the Red Sox, after a scheduled day off Thursday, will play host to Baltimore in the first game of a three-game series that leads into the All-Star break.

The Sox’ starting outfield yesterday was Manny Ramirez (left), Jacoby Ellsbury (center) and Brandon Moss (right).