Red Sox’s right fielder J.D. Drew, back in the lineup after complaining of a sore quadriceps, can’t handle a hit by the Rays’ Carlos Pena during the fourth inning last night at Fenway Park.

AP / Winslow Townson

BOSTON — J.D. Drew, who left Tuesday’s game because of a tight left quadriceps, was back in the lineup last night.

Drew missed three games. He was replaced by Brandon Moss, who went 2-for-4, including a homer, and also threw out a runner at home plate in Friday night’s game. Drew said that he listened to his body in explaining why he took himself out of the game on Tuesday, not wanting to risk suffering a more serious injury.

“You have to understand your limitations. I’ve played long enough to know mine,” said Drew, who has been criticized for being a “soft” player in his 10 years in the big leagues.

“There are things I have to be wary of, especially when the weather is what it will be tonight,” said Drew last night, referring to the bone-chillingly cold day at Fenway Park.

Playing in such conditions is not pleasurable to any player.

“You have to try to stay loose. You want to be as warm in the dugout as you can. You just have to do what you’re trained to do (on the field) and not focus on external factors,” said Drew.

Cora’s throws regain zip

Alex Cora, who has been sidelined since April 10 because of a sore right elbow, stepped up his on-field workouts yesterday.

The utility infielder practiced double plays, both as a shortstop and second baseman, with Dustin Pedroia feeding him the ball so Cora could work on throwing to first base.

Cora appeared able to perform the double-play pivot without any elbow issues hampering him. His throws to first had good zip on them.

Manager Terry Francona said the possibility of Cora going on a rehabilitation assignment in the minor leagues is being talked about by the Sox and Cora.

“I don’t think that’s something he’s real fond of,” said Francona of Cora. “We include the player in the discussions but we try to do whatever is in everybody’s best interests.”

Prosperous on base paths

Going into last night, the Sox were 21-for-25 in stolen-base attempts, led by rookie Jacoby Ellsbury, who was 9-for-9 and has yet to be thrown out in his major-league career.

The Sox’ 21 steals rank them sixth in the American League, but they have the best percentage — 84 — of any team.

Beyond Ellsbury, the Sox have gotten steals from Coco Crisp (4-for-4), Julio Lugo (3-for-5), Pedroia (3-for-3), Kevin Youkilis (1-for-2) and Manny Ramirez (1-for-1).

“We care about not giving away a lot of outs,” said Francona, indicating the team’s philosophy hadn’t changed. “Having speed can be an asset. Our guys have done a good job not running into outs.”

Friendly Fenway

The Red Sox have once again been dominant at home this season.

Heading into last night, the Sox had won 10 of their last 13 games at Fenway and had improved their home record to 12-5, for a winning percentage of .706 at home.

That was the best mark in the American League and the second-best in baseball, behind only Arizona, which went into yesterday 11-4.

This is the second straight year that the Sox have been 12-5 through their first 17 home games. In one-run home games, meanwhile, the Sox were 5-0.

The Sox also led the A.L. in home batting average (.297), runs scored (88), doubles (41) and on-base percentage (.376).

Manny hits his mark

Manny Ramirez was selected as the Red Sox Player of the Month for March (the team played two games to start the season in Japan) and April. He hit .343 with six homers and 20 RBI in 28 March and April games. … Clay Buchholz, who fanned six in 5 1/3 innings Friday night, is tied for the rookie strikeout lead with Cincinnati’s Johnny Cueto. He has 33 in six starts, which places him fourth overall in the American League.

smcadam@projo.com