BOSTON -- It was reported Thursday morning that Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia might miss the All-Star Game in St. Louis next week due to a family matter. Although skipping the game remains a possibility, nothing is definite at this point.

Pedroia's wife, Kelli, is pregnant with the couple's first child, a boy, and is seven weeks away from her due date. She went into labor last Monday and remains in the hospital.

"I didn't know about the report," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "He and his wife are going through a very serious time right now. I don't know how to answer that right now, but I guess there's a chance he wouldn't play because you don't know what's going to happen. The plan is for him to play. Saying that, if he needs to not play, I would certainly support that . . . He wants to play."

If Pedroia's wife remains in the hospital, it's very possible he won't play. If he does play, he'll likely just fly in for the game and miss the other All-Star activities.

Pedroia was voted as a starter for the American League team by the fans. If he doesn't play, he hopes those fans would understand.

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Mike Lowell can smile again without a grimace.

The Red Sox third baseman, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a strain in his surgically repaired hip, is confident he's close to having no limitations and if everything continues to progress, it's likely he'll be activated next Friday in Toronto.

On Thursday afternoon, Lowell did some tee and toss work in the cage. He's planning on taking regular BP with the team on Friday.

"It's definitely better, but not perfect," he said of his hip. "Today was great. I'm really happy, as you can tell by my demeanor."

Lowell has also been taking grounders this week and said his mobility is fine. He believes the impact of running is what negatively affects his body.

With the upcoming All-Star break, he'll continue to work out and he's planning on participating in the club's practice next Thursday at Rogers Centre.

During this entire process, Lowell said, at times, he's been in panic mode. But the doctors have assured him it's normal.

"I still have my fingers crossed, but today was very encouraging," he said.

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Julio Lugo is back with the team after missing Wednesday's game because of a family matter.

Francona didn't say what the issue was, but did address it a little bit during his daily scrum with the local media.

"He had a pretty serious family issue [Wednesday] night. He needed to be with his wife," said Francona.

Lugo went through the normal routine Thursday afternoon at Fenway Park.

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During batting practice Thursday evening, outfielder Rocco Baldelli was taking ground balls at first base with field staff looking on.

When asked about the Rhode Island native's glove work at first base, Francona downplayed it, saying Baldelli has done that in the past.

"I think he enjoys it," said Francona.

jmcdonal@projo.com