BALTIMORE -- Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell (strained oblique) has returned home to Miami to continue his rehab.

While the club plays the Orioles, he will be at home for four days and will be able to conduct two-a-day workouts with his personal trainer. Because of this weekend’s Neil Diamond concert at Fenway, the park is not available for Lowell to work out, so he and the team agreed that going home would be best.

“He wanted to go and we have no problem,” said Boston manager Terry Francona. “We know what he’s going to do.”

Lowell will be evaluated, and could rejoin the team in Toronto or New York. He won’t be activated from the DL, but will be able to resume baseball activities.

“This one will be a hard one to gauge,” said Francona.

Tim Wakefield, who has been battling shoulder stiffness, played catch again yesterday with pitching coach John Farrell. Trainer Mike Reinold was looking on. Wakefield also threw on flat ground, simulating his delivery along the warning track. From the press box, he looked good because Farrell was having trouble catching the knuckleball.

“I think he’s doing fine,” said Francona. “His day to come off (the disabled list) is the 24th, and I think that’s a little aggressive because we want him to throw two sides. He feels that way, too, and two could turn into three, depending on how he feels.”

The Red Sox have two off-days coming up between series, which should help Wakefield’s time frame for returning. The acquisition of veteran right-hander Paul Byrd helps, too.

Shortstop Julio Lugo (quadriceps tear) is progressing well. He was sprinting in the outfield at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, and was also scheduled to take BP in the cage yesterday for the first time since injuring his leg on July 12.

“He’s done a pretty good job,” said Francona. “He had a pretty good tear. He did it up pretty good and he’s worked hard.”

With Lugo on the DL, rookie shortstop Jed Lowrie has excelled in the field and at the plate.

jmcdonal@projo.com