Jed Lowrie has hit .310 in 25 games for Boston since his call-up from Pawtucket on July 12.

AP / Winslow Townson

BOSTON — Julio Lugo’s rehab is progressing better than the Red Sox originally thought.

The Red Sox shortstop suffered a severe quadriceps tear on July 12 and was placed on the disabled list. As a result, Boston recalled rookie Jed Lowrie from Pawtucket. The thing is, however, Lowrie is playing more like seasoned veteran and has been a very crucial component for the club of late.

While Lugo continues to increase his work with baseball activities — he will join the Red Sox on their upcoming three-city road trip, beginning Monday through Baltimore, Toronto and New York — Lowrie has been solid at both the plate and in the field.

Lugo said he’s hoping to be ready for September, and when he does return, Red Sox management will have a very interesting problem, especially if Lowrie can continue his successful pace.

Rewind to last October. The Red Sox were battling the Indians in the ALCS and outfielder Coco Crisp was struggling. It was then that Red Sox manager Terry Francona, along with GM Theo Epstein, decided the lineup needed a spark and inserted rookie Jacoby Ellsbury into center field and batted leadoff in time for Game Six in Boston.

It worked.

Ellsbury was spectacular and was in the starting lineup for the remainder of the postseason, including the four-game sweep over the Rockies in the World Series.

Fast forward to the present as the Red Sox, Lugo and Lowrie find themselves in a similar situation.

Lowrie has been extremely valuable for the Red Sox since his call-up on July 12. He’s hitting .310 in 25 games (22 starts) and has been especially solid in his last four games. He’s 8-for-15 with five doubles and seven RBI in his last four games, all of which the Red Sox have won.

“You bring a young kid up to play and you’re hoping he makes the plays and knows how to play,” said Francona. “All of a sudden it seems like he’s getting a big hit every time he comes up. His production has been off the charts, so it’s been a welcome addition in, maybe, an area you don’t expect that much. It’s been great.”

Lowrie, the Sox’ fourth pick (a sandwich pick 45th overall) in the 2005 draft, has not looked out of place at any level he’s competed in the Sox’ organization. That includes this season during three different stints with Boston.

“I’m comfortable,” he said. “I just go out there with the same approach that I’ve had since I was drafted. For me it’s about maintaining my approach and getting better everyday. I know it sounds cliché, but it keeps it simple for me.”

Lowrie arrives at the ballpark at 1:30 in the afternoon to prepare for a 7 o’clock game. He’ll take early BP and fungoes with double-play partner Dustin Pedroia. Lowrie will take extra BP in the cage because he’s not about to take anything for granted.

“I know how difficult this game is and it will humble you very quickly,” he admitted. “Yeah, I’m hot right now, I’ve been swinging the bat well, but it’s not about whether you’re hot or cold, it’s about the work and preparing yourself every day. It’s all I can ask of myself, and my teammates, is to go out there and give 100-percent effort with the mental approach of we are going to win every game.”

It’s that confidence and success that has quickly helped his staying power become reality sooner rather than later. He knows he’s here because of Lugo’s injury, but he’s taking full advantage of this opportunity.

“Being productive and having the opportunity to be productive right away makes it easier,” Lowrie said. “That’s how you earn respect in this game; you have to produce. At the end of the day you can show up and people respect you for your work ethic, but if you’re producing that’s how people will respect you.

“You never want to see anyone get hurt,” added Lowrie. “At the same time it opened the door for me and it’s an opportunity for me. I’m not trying to take anybody’s job, I’m trying to be the best player I can be and at the end of the day I will let the chips fall where they will.”

Having a player like Pedroia, who has the same work ethic and competitive drive working along side the rookie helps, too.

“He’s great,” said Lowrie. “He expects a lot out of himself and, in turn, expects a lot out of the people around him.”

jmcdonal@projo.com