Boston’s J.D. Drew is tagged out by Kansas City shortstop Mike Aviles after being caught in a rundown between second and third in the first inning.

AP / Ed Zurga

KANSAS CITY, Mo -- Mike Lowell was back in the lineup, a day after receiving an injection to help him with some discomfort in his right hip.

Lowell joined the team here Monday night. He got a shot of an undisclosed lubricant that is supposed to help ease the pain in the hip. That came three weeks after he received a cortisone shot at the All-Star break.

He also has been taking anti-inflammatory medication for several weeks.

“I think it feels better,” said Lowell. “They told me it would take three or four days for the medicine from the shot to take effect. But just getting out of bed and moving around, it feels better.”

Lowell has been told this his hip condition is genetic, worsened by the presence of some bone spurs. The condition likely won’t fully improve until the offseason, when he has a chance to rest.

It worsened Friday night when he attempted to beat out an infield grounder.

“When I have to extend myself,” he said, “the next day, I feel it.”

Manager Terry Francona gave Lowell the option is sitting out last night, but he chose to play.

“I’ve played with for a while,” he said, “so I’m not going to sit now.”

For the second straight night, J.D. Drew was in the leadoff spot for the Sox.

“I’m trying to get the lineup as elongated I can,” said Francona, “so it’s got some depth. I don’t want him to hit first the whole year. But in the meantime, he gives us the best chance to win. I’m not trying to shake things up. I’m just getting some balance in there and trying to get the most guys on base when the middle of the order is up.”

Drew went into last night with a .403 on-base percentage, highest among club regulars. He doubled in the first inning and drew walks in the third and fifth, but didn’t score a run.