Red Sox will use Lowell as backup at first and third base

The Boston Globe reported Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell will play some first base this season. With the arrival of third baseman Adrian Beltre, Lowell will serve in a reserve role as long as he remains with the team.

The Red Sox had a deal in place to trade Lowell to the Rangers in December, but that fell through when it was discovered that Lowell would need surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb. As a result of that procedure, Lowell will be a few weeks behind in spring training.