BOSTON -- There was encouraging news for the Sox on Sunday on Julio Lugo. There was, and still is, concern that Lugo might not be able to play again this year because of a torn quad in his left leg. However, Lugo took 15 to 20 ground balls between games Saturday and reports he is feeling better, so the Sox will take him on the road to Tampa Bay and Toronto this week.

“He’s going to go with us on this trip because he’s able to do baseball activities,” manager Terry Francona said. “We’re basically indoors the next six games. We have extra people with us, so every night game we’ll hit early. He can get out and get some work done at 2 or 2:30 and we can get a better gauge of where he is.

“He’s doing a good job. He’s worked hard the whole time. That’s not been an issue,” Francona said.

“I’ll see what happens this week, but I feel a lot better,” Lugo reported. “I’m not at the point where I’ve turned the corner yet, but the last four days I’ve felt more comfortable running. Probably this week is when I’ll tell if I can push it hard to where I can play.”

-PAUL KENYON