Lowell undergoes thumb surgery!

Veteran on pace to resume baseball activities by early spring



BOSTON -- Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell, who was nearly traded to the Rangers a couple of weeks ago, underwent surgery on Wednesday to repair the torn radial collateral ligament in his right thumb.


The surgery, performed in Phoenix by Dr. Donald Sheridan, was said to be a success. According to a source, Lowell will go back to Phoenix to have the pin removed in roughly a month. A six-to-eight-week recovery period is expected, putting Lowell in position to be ready to resume full baseball activities early in Spring Training. It is expected that Lowell's thumb will be 100 percent healthy once his rehab is complete.

Lowell's thumb issue -- believed to be minor -- was believed to be the main reason the Rangers opted against acquiring the veteran for catching prospect Max Ramirez.

It is unclear at this point how -- or if -- Lowell fits into the roster construction of the 2010 Red Sox.

The Red Sox could reopen trade talks for Lowell, most likely in Spring Training when he can prove his health to suitors by playing in exhibition games.

As far as the corners go, the Red Sox are still exploring all options, including free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre, who is known as one of the best defenders in the game.

If the Red Sox can't find common ground with Beltre, they have the option of moving Kevin Youkilis to third base and elevating first baseman Casey Kotchman to the starter's role.

And there is always a chance Lowell, now more than a year removed from right hip surgery, could impress the Red Sox enough during Spring Training that they decide to hang on to him.

Lowell is entering the final season of a three-year contract he signed shortly after being named Most Valuable Player of the 2007 World Series.