Everything was going fine for Red Sox three-bagger Mike Lowell, but then in a game against Toronto on Friday afternoon, he fouled a pitch off his left knee in his first at bat and was helped off the field with a contusion. X-rays were negative, but for Lowell, who has seen limited playing time, this will only set back his preparation further as he battles for a roster spot. This injury may have to see him put on the disabled list to start the season in order to get more practice in.

This could not have come at a worse time for Lowell, who is just getting back into the swing of things after having thumb surgery in December 2009. That surgery prevented a deal that would have sent him to Texas. Now that his knee is injured, his trade potential is lowered that much more and Boston’s plans for the third baseman are even more complicated. He is currently listed as day-to-day, but it may be longer than that before he’s ready to take to the field again.

Lowell doesn’t want to start on the DL, nor does he think he’ll have to. He says he’s feeling good after the injury, but is feeling awkward about potentially having to start the season as a bench player. The 2007 World Series MVP is in a position now he’s never been in during his 13-year career, and knows that he’ll have to be ready to fill in for others like Kevin Youkilis or Adrian Beltre from time to time.

This setback might be an unwelcome eye-opener for Lowell, who turned 36 last month. He said that while he’s fouled a lot of balls off his body over the years, this one was a little bit harder to come back from; a sign that he’s not as young as he once was. Nevertheless, this is a learning experience for the learned Lowell, and he’s ready to accept whatever role he’s asked to fill and is confident that the Red Sox will compete for another World Series in 2010.