Third baseman Mike Lowell isn't likely to be involved in a trade deadline deal this season, but the veteran's playing time has already been affected by deals already made.
The red-hot third baseman has been solid at the dish since his return from the disabled list on July 17, hitting .381 with two doubles in six games. Despite riding a six-game hitting streak after a 14-game layoff, manager Terry Francona sat Lowell Monday night against the A's to get Adam LaRoche's left-handed bat (and keep No. 3 hitter Kevin Youkilis) in the lineup against the righty Trevor Cahill.
“I don’t have anything to complain about. I’m trying to get myself ready to play,” Lowell told the Boston Herald. “I think they are trying to find the best combinations for us to win ballgames. I guess I have to be satisfied with the fact I’ve been swinging the bat well since the All-Star break.”
Lowell knows that sitting is part of the game — but not the worst part. With the deadline fast approaching and the second-place team with higher expectations, a trade is very likely — especially when the team has been facing an offensive funk leading up to Monday night's 8-3 win.
“If we keep playing like this there are going to be some major changes in the lineup if we don’t start swinging the bats and scoring runs,” Lowell said. “I don’t think anything is etched in stone. Winning determines who plays. You’ve got to win games. When teams are not winning games, whether it’s one aspect or another, you have to find a combination that does."
Despite the diminished playing time he has suffered and will likely suffer from now until the end of the year, Lowell will remain in high-spirits, as he has much confidence in Francona's managing abilities.
“I was told that what we’re going after will get me, I guess, the flexibility of having more days off than normal,’’ Lowell told the Boston Globe. “I told Tito I can’t argue with that philosophy. [LaRoche has] been here three days. Not going to worry about anything right now. We’ll see how things go. The world’s not coming to an end.’’
LaRoche, batting seventh Monday night, went 2-for-4 with two doubles, one run, one RBI and left four runners on base. He is 5-for-12 (.417 BA) with a homer, two runs and two RBIs in three games since joining the Sox.
