Many professional baseball players will tell you that there's a distinct game-day routine that they follow, with any deviation serving as a threat to their potential production. So when players are forced to miss action and subsequently forced to embark on rehabilitation assignments at the minor league level, it can create a rather unique experience. Not for Mike Lowell, though.
The 36-year-old infielder, who will serve as the PawSox' designated and cleanup hitter on Thursday, welcomes the opportunity to play at the Triple-A level this week because it will get him back to the baseball routine that he was so accustomed to prior to this season.
"I'm actually really excited to be here, believe it or not." Lowell said. "I think I'm going to get the most consistent playing time I've gotten all year."
But playing time isn't the only thing Lowell is looking forward to down in the minors. The 2007 World Series MVP said that he is even excited for the bus ride next week to Toledo.
"He said the same thing to me, and I'm like 'Mikey, you feel OK? What's going on?' And he's like 'I want to get back into the whole baseball lifestyle,'" PawSox manager Torey Lovullo said. "When you're not around it, and it gets taking away from you for being injured, or in his case being injured, you take those things for granted."
Lowell will fly to Columbus on Friday for the start of a four-game set with the Columbus Clippers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. He expects to play five games in the next seven days, and Lovullo said that they will use him as a designated hitter, as well as at third base and first base.
If all goes accordingly, Lowell could be back up with the Red Sox by next weekend. For now, though, it's about getting the four-time All-Star back into the baseball rhythm following a lengthy stint on the disabled list.
"He wants to get back into the flow, the full swing of baseball season, and that excites me. And I know it excites him a lot," Lovullo said.
The skipper also went on to say that Lowell looks as healthy as he did when the two teamed up for infield practice during spring training.
And while McCoy Stadium may only be located an hour from Fenway Park, the arrival of a veteran major leaguer like Lowell can generate a buzz, which ultimately benefits the aspiring major leaguers who take the field alongside the rehabbing players.
First baseman Lars Anderson said players often feed off the elevated energy.
"There's more energy in the clubhouse, and also on the field and in the stands," he said. "We all can feel that. You'd be hard-pressed to not feel a little bit inspired by that."
Anderson is also excited about the opportunity to catch up with Lowell, whom he played with in the spring.
While distractions are inevitable to a certain degree when All-Star caliber players arrive in town, Lovullo isn't too concerned because there are some older players who will help keep everyone on an even-keel.
"It's all about staying focused and that's part of being at this level," he said. "That's easily the hardest part of playing at this level."
The PawSox have dropped five in a row, including the first three games of their four-game set with the Toledo Mud Hens. Though the team has experienced some difficulties in the International League this season, posting a 43-54 record that has them fourth in their division, the hope is that they can bounce back before heading on the road for eight games.
Perhaps veteran Mike Lowell's arrival can provide them with the spark they need, even if his presence is only temporary.
