ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) – Boston Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell was out of the starting lineup for Wednesday’s game against Tampa Bay because of a sore right hip.

Lowell felt more soreness and stiffness in his hip – which could require offseason surgery – making a barehanded pickup and throw on a slow roller in Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to the Rays. He hopes to return during this weekend’s series with Toronto.

“They believe that my labrum popped in and out of its joint,” Lowell said Wednesday. “So I think that’s good news.”

Lowell and team officials spoke with several specialists Wednesday about the injury. He has been told that playing will not cause any additional damage.

Lowell is hitting .275 with 17 homers and 73 RBIs in 112 games.

“The hard thing is, the last part of our season, it’s probably going to end up being what he can handle (pain-wise),” Boston manager Terry Francona said. “We’ve all seen that he can handle a lot. Last night it became too much. He woke up today very sore. I think there is some hope that soreness will leave in a hurry. If that doesn’t happen, it makes it difficult.”

Red Sox face Rays in 2009 opener

The team the Red Sox are battling for the AL East title at the end of this season is the one they open the next one against. Boston will host the Tampa Bay Rays April 6 at Fenway Park to start the 2009 campaign. Next year’s opener will be the first time the team has begun the season at home since 2002 and just the second time in the last 14 years.

The Red Sox will play their AL East rivals 72 times next season. The Yankees first visit to Fenway will be for a weekend series starting April 24.

Boston gets the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals, Atlanta Braves and Florida Marlins in interleague play next year.