Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona did not sound optimistic when talking about third baseman Mike Lowell earlier today ... and for good reason.

After being examined by doctors, Lowell was removed from the Red Sox roster because of the torn labrum in his right hip.

Lowell was replaced on the roster with infielder Gil Velazquez, who will be available tonight. Velazquez played in Triple-A Pawtucket this season, batting .260 with 10 home runs.

Because Lowell is being replaced in the middle of the divisional series, Major League Baseball rules make him ineligible for the America League Championship Series, if Boston gets in. Lowell would be eligible to play in the World Series.

In other Sox news, Francona said anyone sitting in the bullpen should be ready to go tonight, including closer Jonathan Papelbon, who pitched two innings Sunday night; although there will be a limit to Papelbon's use.

"I would say everybody (is available)," Francona said. "I'm not going to run Pap out there for two innings."

Francona said his plans will change only if a reliever comes up with stiff arm during warm-ups.

As for his lineup, outfielder Mark Kotsay is again being called upon to play first base, despite having Sean Casey on the roster.

Although Kotsay is not a regular first baseman, he is still considered a better fielder than Casey.

"I think having the more agile defense is very important because of the way they play the game," Francona said in explaining his choice of Kotsay over Casey.

Kotsay has also seen a lot more of Angels starter John Lackey, going 9-for-34 (.265). Casey is 0-for-4 against Lackey.

Who has the best success against Lackey? Dustin Pedroia (5-for-12, .417), David Ortiz (10-for-30, .333, 2 home runs), J.D. Drew (5-for-16, .313) and Kevin Youkilis (5-for-17, .294, 2 home runs).

On the other side, Garret Anderson (3-for-7, .429) and Vladimir Guerrero (4-for-10, .400) have enjoyed batting against Jon Lester.

E-mail this entry to a friend