Cleveland second baseman Josh Barfield is unable to tag out Boston’s Mark Kotsay as Kotsay slides safely into second on an RBI double that scored Kevin Youkilis in the first inning of last night’s game at Fenway Park.

The Providence Journal / Gretchen Ertl

BOSTON –– The Red Sox not only haven’t given up on Mike Lowell, they’re hopeful he’ll be starting at third base in the playoffs next week.

Lowell will get back on the field sometime this weekend, and he says he’ll be able to play in the Division Series.

Last year’s World Series MVP is slated to be the designated hitter against the Yankees today, but rain may put those plans on hold. Either way, he’s planning on getting some swings in over the next three days.

“I guess that’s the only thing I don’t know, if the weather’s going to cooperate,” he said. “I think, either way, the plan is for me to DH one of the days and for me to play defense the other day. I don’t really think if something happens Friday that’s going to take away from the plan, but I really would like to at least play Saturday and Sunday.”

Lowell said he’s still limited in his lateral movement, but said, “I wouldn’t say it’s pain, it’s the same pull I felt before. The big sting I got in Tampa, which really made it flare up, that’s what I’m trying to avoid.”

Lowell may not be able to play on many consecutive days, but the travel days in a playoff series could help him. Manager Terry Francona said the Sox didn’t want to push Lowell to play earlier on this homestand and risk an injury, but he’s always thought the veteran could help in the playoffs.

“I think we’ve kind of gone on the cautious side, which I guess at this point of the season is probably the intelligent way to do it, so I’m just looking forward to today hitting and tomorrow playing,” Lowell said.

Drew progressing

J.D. Drew spoke with Francona yesterday and reported that his lower back was feeling fine but his legs were a bit sore. “I think he feels it more in his legs than anywhere else. We’ll try to get him back in there (tonight),” said Francona.

kmcnamar@projo.com / jmcdonal@projo.com