Lugo

BALTIMORE — Julio Lugo, Boston’s regular shortstop, was out of the lineup for the fourth straight game, but yesterday he took grounders and batting practice for the second day in a row and hopes to be cleared by doctors to return to action soon.

Lugo said he expects to be examined today. He said he no longer is dizzy, nor does his neck hurt, as it did after his baseline collision with the Twins’ Matt Tolbert on Friday night in the Metrodome.

He did say he still has a little headache, but would like to return as soon as possible.

The fact that he has made 11 errors this season, including four in his last eight starts, does not make him want to sit.

“I want to be out there,” insisted Lugo. “I don’t want to make errors. No one wants to make errors. You want to make every play. But I’m going to make errors because I’m an aggressive player. I just want to learn from my errors and fix it, so I don’t make them again.”

And contrary to what some may think, after making an error, Lugo says he doesn’t go into a shell, hoping the opposition won’t hit him another grounder.

“If I make an error, I want them to hit the next one to me. I’m sure I’m going to make that play. If I don’t, I’ll make the next one. I’m not scared of failure. I’ll take the blame. No one wants to fail, but I’m not scared to work my tail off so I can find out why I made the error to get it right,” said Lugo.

The Sox have worked with Lugo on his footwork, which they think has contributed to his high error totals in the past, especially on throws. Sometimes they think he rushes his hands, resulting in bobbles. Lugo says he tries not to think about all of those mechanics during a game, though.

“You just want your ability to take over and just react,” said Lugo.

He says he is well aware of the criticism heaped his way, especially lately, when a couple of his errors have cost the Sox runs and games.

“I put pressure on myself,” he said. “You don’t want to be the one to make the error and people tell you you lost the game. You feel bad enough when you make an error. You just tell yourself, ‘What can I do to help us win a game, maybe make a play or get a hit.’ ”

Jed Lowrie played one game in Lugo’s place before being optioned to Pawtucket on Sunday. Alex Cora was activated from the disabled list that day and has started the last three games at shortstop, including last night’s contest against Baltimore.

skrasner@projo.com