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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted at 7:57 a.m., Wednesday, February 11, 2009

MLB: Francona upbeat about health of Ortiz, Lowell

By HOWARD ULMAN
AP Sports Writer

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona is upbeat about the improved health of David Ortiz and Mike Lowell.

Francona said Wednesday that neither is a question mark heading into spring training after a season in which both were hit hard by injuries.

Designated hitter Ortiz went on the disabled list twice with wrist problems while third baseman Lowell played with a hip injury before having surgery on Oct. 20.

Francona said at spring training that Ortiz is in good shape and Lowell's target is to be ready for opening day.

Pitchers and catchers are due in camp by Thursday with their first formal workout Saturday. The reporting date for position players is Monday, and the first full-squad workout is set for Feb. 18.