ATLANTA –– Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell was to return to Boston on Sunday night and on Monday morning will receive a Synvisc injection into his surgically repaired hip.

The gel-like substance is used coat the joints, according to Red Sox manager Terry Francona. It could take a day or two until Lowell finds out how he responds to it.

"For some people it’s a miracle. For others it’s not. I’ve had it done and it didn’t do a thing for me. [Bench coach Brad] Mills had the same shot and two hours later he felt like he was brand new," said Francona.

Lowell, 35, had hip surgery in November. He’s been able to play 68 of 75 games so far this season.

"He did not hurt himself," said Francona. "The medical people have all assured Mikey even if he played today, he wouldn’t hurt himself. It just hurts. Because there’s a lot of season left to go, we’d rather try to let him take a deep breath or regroup. We just want him to be able to go out and play rather than drag it, or when he makes a move, feel it so much."

There wasn’t one specific play, or plate appearance, where Lowell reinjured his hip. The discomfort is normal given the type of procedure he had.

"Coming out of spring training he’s played almost every day and, to me, that’s pretty amazing," Francona said.

If it doesn’t work, a trip to the disabled list could be next.

"It could happen. I don’t think we want to and I don’t think he wants to," said Francona. "Again, if he doesn’t respond [to the shot], then it’s something we need to think about."

jmcdonal@projo.com