Jed Lowrie Out, Julio Lugo Will Return with Starting Job

With an emerging story that Jed Lowrie will apparently miss the remainder of the season with wrist surgery, the Red Sox seem to be out of options at shortstop, with not only Lowrie but also Julio Lugo on the disabled list.

At least this problem is only temporary, because Julio Lugo, currently playing in extended Spring Training games, is set to return to the Red Sox on Monday.

Lugo may not be exactly what one would call a fan favorite, and I'm not really a huge Lugo fan myself, but this comes as a blessing in disguise.

No offense Nick Green, but I don't think you will be able to cut it as a starting shortstop. Green will be Boston's starting shortstop until Lugo returns, and according to a report on MLB.com, Green will enjoy every second of it.

Green will be valuable this season to the Red Sox playing backup and as a defensive substitute all over the infield, but overall, Red Sox fans would rather see Lugo starting games at short for the rest of the year, even if they don't know it yet.

Lugo may not have done anything special while with the Red Sox, but if Jed Lowrie's horrific April told us anything it is that he might be able to benefit from some time playing backup or in the Minor Leagues.

Besides, Lugo was once a good hitter.

To his credit, Lugo hit .268, with one homer, 22 RBI, 12 steals, and 27 runs in only 307 plate appearances, which by no means is bad for a guy hitting eighth or ninth in the lineup.

Aside from his miserable .237/.294/.349 line in 2007, Lugo has shown to be a decent hitter. In his nine seasons playing in the MLB, Lugo has had seasons in which he has hit 15 home runs, compiled 75 RBI, scored 90 runs, and even hit .295.

Except for 2005, when he hit .295 and stole 39 bases, however, all of those accomplishments came in separate seasons. While that is somewhat discouraging, his numbers show that deep down he is capable of being a good hitter.

Hopefully Lugo can show some of his pre-2005 trade deadline talent this year.