Lowell

BOSTON — As expected, Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell was activated from the disabled list and started at third base last night against the Blue Jays.

To make room for Lowell, the Sox designated right-handed reliever Bryan Corey for assignment. It was the second time this month Boston has designated Corey. Lowell had been placed on the DL on April 10 because of a sprained left thumb. He had a three-day rehab assignment with the PawSox that ended on Sunday. He worked out at Fenway Park on Monday, an off-day for the Sox, and manager Terry Francona said that he was ready to be activated.

“There’s no concern on our part,” said Francona. “He looks good.”

“I don’t think anybody’s 100 percent now, but I’m back and ready to play,” Lowell said. “I felt like I accomplished what I wanted to accomplish. I’m excited to play tonight.

“I was most anxious to be seeing pitches. I was able to do that the three days I was there [in Pawtucket]. I felt comfortable,” he said. “I’m glad I did it. I’m even happier to be here.”

Corey first was sliced from the Sox’ roster on April 11, eventually re-signed and assigned to Pawtucket. Corey was recalled last Friday and pitched in one game over the weekend on the road against Tampa Bay (on April 25, a scoreless 1 2/3-inning stint. The Lowell-for-Corey swap reduces the roster to 12 pitchers.

Glove insert secures thumb

Lowell has had a special insert made for his glove to protect his thumb.

“I think even if I feel fantastic, I’m going to wear it the rest of the year,” he said. “It holds the joint from going where they don’t want it to go. It doesn’t really bother me, so I think I should wear it. If I don’t wear it one day and then I test it and I hurt it again, I’m going to feel like I’m an idiot for trying that.”

Lowell’s return helps solidify the Red Sox’ lineup, especially with first baseman Sean Casey on the DL because of a strained right hip. Lowell, who usually bats fifth, hit sixth last night a move Francona said is because Lowell is just returning and because Kevin Youkilis has been solid.

Lowell’s return allowed Francona to slide down slumping J.D. Drew to the seventh spot. Drew began the night in a 4-for-30 skid.

Powerful presence returns

David Ortiz was back in the Boston lineup in his usual designated hitter slot.

Ortiz missed the last two games on the road against Tampa Bay because of a bruised right knee, suffered in a an unsuccessful attempt to beat out the back end of a double play on Friday night.

Impressive rookie outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, though, was forced to the bench because of a sore groin.

Ellsbury thought he’d be able to play, but didn’t get treatment on Monday’s off day and wasn’t in the starting lineup.

Ellsbury was replaced by Coco Crisp, who o took Ellsbury’s spot at the top of the batting order.

Health report

Daisuke Matsuzaka, who was unable to make his scheduled start, last Wednesday because of the flu, is healthy again. Dice-K stayed in Boston and got in his work while the Sox were on the road against the Rays. He’ll start tonight, pushed back a day to make sure he’s as strong as possible.

Curt Schilling missed a couple of days of workouts because of the flu, though he’s hardly close to being on the team’s pitching radar.

Utility infielder Alex Cora, on the disabled list because of elbow troubles, has been cleared to start throwing. Francona hopes Cora will be able to take grounders and “let it fly” from anywhere in the infield on Friday.

Bartolo Colon threw a 35-pitch bullpen session on Monday and is on schedule to throw a similar session today. Francona said it is “very realistic” that the veteran right-hander, sent to the sidelines because of a strained oblique, will be able to pitch in a game somewhere on May 5. It is likely that will be for Pawtucket in McCoy Stadium.

Drew joins injury list

Drew left last night’s game in the fourth inning and was replaced by Brandon Moss. Drew felt tightness in his left quad. …. With all their injuries and illness, the Sox already have used 33 players, tied with Oakland and Toronto for most in the majors. That includes 17 pitchers, tied with Texas for high in that department. … The Toronto stat of the night: Roy Halladay, last night’s starter, leads the majors in fewest pitches per inning, 13.07.

skrasner@projo.com