BALTIMORE – Boston Red Sox right fielder J.D. Drew was out of the lineup against the Baltimore Orioles because of lingering soreness in his lower back.

Drew is hitting .280 with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs, but has only six hits in his last 34 at-bats over 12 games. He left Sunday’s game against Toronto after experiencing tightness in his lower back.

Boston manager Terry Francona said Monday night, “Hopefully, we got him out soon enough before it could completely lock up,”

Jacoby Ellsbury started in right field against Baltimore Monday night and Coco Crisp was in center.

Drew was a first-time All-Star this season and was selected MVP of the July 15 game at Yankee Stadium after hitting a two-run homer that tied the score in the seventh inning.