Adding to an already successful 2005 draft class that includes Jacoby Ellsbury, Clay Buchholz and Craig Hansen (who is on fire so far in Pawtucket), the Red Sox have called up shortstop Jed Lowrie according to the NESN pregame report. This move has been necessitated by the injuries to both Mike Lowell (sprained thumb), who has been sent to the 15 day disabled list, and Alex Cora (elbow), who apparently injured his arm while throwing during pregame practice. Lowell suffered a similar injury last season and will reportedly be out for at least the fifteen day minimum, while Cora's status is uncertain at this point. Lowrie, one of the club's top prospects, is a shortstop by nature; however, he has played second base (in college) and third base (in the minors), so he has some versatility. The switch hitting Lowrie really impressed with the bat last year and his glove has improved steadily with each stop in the minors. He is off to a slow start for Pawtucket this season, hitting only .160 in his first eight games, but I would expect that to turn around quickly. Lowrie really works the count and grinds out at bats; he also flashes great gap power. Expect Lowrie to get some starts at third with Mike Lowell out (the Sox didn't call him up to have him ride the pine), as well as the occasional situation where we have Youkilis at third and Casey at first, as was the case last night.

You A Bad Mang is a senior writer for Boston Sports Buzz.