The problem plaguing Jed Lowrie's left wrist was damaged cartilage. Although there's no word on the precise injury or severity, Lowrie underwent surgery yesterday in Arizona to repair the damage. This is the best option for the Red Sox and should ensure that Lowrie is healthy and productive for the remainder of the season.

"Everything that was done today puts him on track to start swinging the bat in six weeks, which is what the hope was when this came up," Boston manager Terry Francona said.

Expect Lowrie to need some minor league starts to get back up to speed. I put the over-under for his return to the BoSox at 8 weeks.

Per the Associated Press, Nick Green is batting .240 through eight games as Lowrie's replacement. Shortstop Julio Lugo, recovering from right knee surgery, planned to begin a rehabilitation stint Tuesday at Triple-A Pawtucket but the game was rained out.

If the Red Sox bats can continue to hit as they have the past few games, I don't expect we'll be overly inconvenienced by Lowrie's absence. In fact, it would be helpful to see if Lugo has anything to offer the Sox or another team when he's finished with his rehab starts.