ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Outfielder J.D. Drew returned to the team Tuesday after spending the weekend in his native Georgia to attend the funeral of his grandmother.

Drew, who last played on Aug. 17 because of a herniated disk in his lower back, shagged balls in the outfield yesterday afternoon and was scheduled to take batting practice in the cage.

If he doesn’t experience any setbacks, Drew will take live batting practice on the field today and is aiming for a return to the lineup in Toronto.

“I’m very hopeful of that,” said Drew. “But then, I’ve been hopeful all along.”

“We’re trying to figure out the best way to handle it,” said manager Terry Francona. “We kind of have to listen to him.”

Drew had a setback last week before leaving for home, but an injection Friday alleviated some of the discomfort.

At times, he’s experienced what he termed “sharp pain” in the lower back, followed by some stiffness.

“It’s somewhat better,” he said of the back yesterday. “I really don’t know (when I’ll return). I’m just going to be positive and try to take a great approach.”

-SEAN McADAM