Boston Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell slides into second base for a double in the third inning and later scored on a three-run double by shortstop Jed Lowrie last night at Fenway Park.

The Providence Journal / Bob Breidenbach

BOSTON — Mike Lowell, who had to leave Friday night’s game in the 10th inning because he aggravated a right hip flexor injury, was in the starting lineup last night, batting fourth and playing third base.

Don’t take that to mean, however, that he isn’t still hurting.

“I don’t know about the recovery time. He’s feeling it. He’s been feeling it for a long time. He’s a tough kid,” manager Terry Francona said.

Both Francona and Lowell said that the injury affects his speed, but they also agreed that it isn’t as if speed is a big part of Lowell’s game. He’s one of baseball’s slowest runners.

Nevertheless, Lowell told Francona he could play, and with the Red Sox facing left-handers tonight and tomorrow, Francona is happy to have Lowell’s right-handed bat in the No. 4 hole in the order.

Lowell has been mired in a slump since the All-Star break, batting a mere .182 (10-for-55) with one double, no homers and only six RBI. He hasn’t hit a home run since connecting in New York on July 4 and has only three since clouting a grand slam June 12.

“I told them I’m willing to play,” Lowell said. “I think I might get some kind of injection in the next couple of days. … When I slow down is when I feel it grab, not so much when I’m running. I’m not that fast to start, and now I feel really slow.”

Lowell can’t pinpoint exactly when he first injured the hip. He said he first felt it one day about five weeks ago. Since then he’s tried heat, cold, stretching, ultra sound, massage and he even had a cortisone shot before the All-Star break.

“We’ve exhausted everything,” he said. “It’s been a nagging thing that hasn’t gone away. I was just kind of hoping it would go away, but it hasn’t.”

Lowell proved just how tough he is last night, both at the plate and in the field. He went 2-for-4, including a double and two runs scored. He also made three solid plays at third, while hobbling around with the sore hip.

“Nobody has ever questioned his toughness,” said Francona. “He wants to play every day. He shows up to win and tonight was a great example of that.”

skrasner@projo.com