BOSTON -- There is a strong possibility that Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew will play again for the Red Sox before the regular season is over. But it does not look as if it will happen in the next couple of days.

Manager Terry Francona had updates on both players yesterday, reports that were more positive than negative. Still, Lowell, who has a problem with his right hip, and Drew, who has been sidelined by a herniated disk in his lower back, need more time.

Lowell appears to be closer to returning.

“He’s improved, (but) not to the point where he’s going to play in the game,” Francona said. Francona earlier had set Wednesday as a target date for Lowell’s return, but he backed off that, saying “it might be a little too quick.”

Lowell is able to move in a straight line.

“The problem is going side to side,” Francona said.

Ideally, it would be good to get Lowell in a game as the designated hitter. The timing of his return, the manager said, could depend on where the Sox are in the standings. The interference was that once the team’s playoff situation is determined it will be easier to get Lowell some playing time.

Drew received another epidural yesterday, his second in the last month.

Thomas Gill, the Red Sox’ medical director, was coming to Fenway yesterday afternoon to meet with Drew, who was activated from the disabled list on Sept. 8 but has yet to play.

“They’re trying to get him to the point where his symptoms don’t keep him out of games,” Francona said. The manager had been told that Drew would have only limited movement yesterday, because of the epidural, but should be able to do more today.

“If you’re asking if I’m writing J.D. off, noooo,” Francona said with emphasis.

Shortstop Julio Lugo (torn quadriceps) visited with the club’s medical staff last night to determine what the best course of action would be. He suffered the injury on July 12 and has not played since. He also suffered a couple of setbacks during his rehab, and now it’s possible he could be done for the season.

“He’s not progressing to a point right now where he’s near being [activated],” said Francona.