BOSTON -- While J.D. Drew returned to the lineup last night, the same could not be said for ailing third baseman Mike Lowell. His sore hip is improving and he’d like to get some swings in before the start of the playoffs. Asked whether Lowell would require some action over the next few days, manager Terry Francona answered, “It’s not necessary. We all feel like if you have the ability of getting at-bats it can only help. Last time (Lowell was injured), that didn’t matter. It’s really not necessary but maybe, so he knows he can go out and do it and to see live pitching. We’ll do the best we can.”

Last night Francona rested Jed Lowrie and Jason Bay. He’d like to do the same for Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis, but “we just don’t have the ability to do that right now. We’ll mix and match the next few days.” One bench player who did see a start was Chris Carter in left field. Carter (.300 average, 24 homers, 81 RBI) enjoyed a strong season at Pawtucket and is one of several ex-PawSox who’ll probably see action over the weekend. Carter notched his first career RBI with a single in the first.