ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Outfielder J.D. Drew, who had planned to rejoin the Red Sox here yesterday, will instead return today.

Drew, who has been out since mid-August with a herniated disk in his back, went to Georgia over the weekend to attend his grandmother’s funeral.

In a message for the training staff, Drew said his back, which received an injection Friday before he left, was feeling better.

“There was marked improvement,” said manager Terry Francona, while adding that Drew hadn’t done much physical activity since the end of last week.

Drew won’t play in the series here. The Sox are trying to determine how much they want him to do today and tomorrow.

“We’ll talk to the medical guys,” said Francona, “and what they’re comfortable with.”

A best-case scenario for Drew would have him returning Friday in Toronto after two days of hitting here and Thursday’s off-day.

smcadam@projo.com