BOSTON -- Just because rookie Jed Lowrie is in the midst of a slump — 4-for-37 in the last 10 games — the Red Sox aren’t about to give up on him anytime soon.

“I don’t think it’s uncharacteristic for a young player to have ups and downs,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “They kind of get a free pass with the league for a while before the league starts making adjustments.”

Francona said Lowrie is not swinging at balls and is getting deep into counts, which is good despite the offensive drought.

“I think he might be a little tired,” added the manager. “Hopefully, that’s something we can take care of this week if we [clinch a playoff spot], but now is not the time to sit him. … This is a longer year than he’s used to, and the intensity of games, I think, shocks young players. The intensity here is so much different than Triple A or Double A and it amazes players.”

Even though Lowrie has been struggling at the plate, he’s been solid in the field, both at shortstop and at third base.

“He’s done a good job,” said Francona. “We’ve asked a lot of him and he’s handled it very well.”