Tue Oct 14 18:50:40 2008

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Red Sox 3B Lowell to have surgery

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Boston, MA (Sports Network) - The Boston Red Sox announced prior to Game 4 of the American League Championship Series on Tuesday that injured third baseman Mike Lowell will have season-ending surgery.

The 2007 World Series Most Valuable Player, Lowell is going to have surgery Monday in New York to address what the team deemed a "bone spur-type" of injury atop the femur in his right leg as well as repair the torn labrum in his right hip. He is expected to be ready in time for spring training.

"I just didn't want to drag it out and then see if it affects the later part of spring training or even April of next year," Lowell said. "So, I think if I do it now, with the doctors' timetable, by mid-February everything should be totally good to go. I think that lines me up to have a good spring training, not to be rushed and not have it affect next year."

Lowell went hitless in eight at-bats against the Los Angeles Angels before being taken off the active playoff roster in favor of infielder Gil Velazquez prior to Game 4 of the Division Series.

In 113 games during the 2008 regular season, Lowell hit .274 with 17 homers and 73 runs batted in, the lowest marks he has posted in each category since coming over from the Marlins in the trade that also brought Josh Beckett to Boston.

Boston trails Tampa Bay in the best-of-seven series, 2-1, heading into Tuesday's contest.