Lowell, who will return to the Red Sox, needs radial collateral

Lowell, who will return to the Red Sox, needs radial collateral ligament surgery that will require six to eight weeks of recovery time. Sources said Lowell is scheduled to have the procedure done shortly after Christmas, and he should be ready to return to action by the first or second week of Spring Training. The deal, which was agreed upon during the Winter Meetings in Indianapolis but was pending the passing of a physical, was to send Lowell to the Rangers in exchange for catching prospect Max Ramirez. In turn, Boston would also pay $9 million of Lowell's $12 million salary for next season. Barring any moves, the Red Sox were expected to go with Casey Kotchman at first base for next season, with Kevin Youkilis switching to third. That can still happen, but if Lowell proves he's healthy, the Red Sox would also have two other options -- they can rekindle trade talks for Lowell, perhaps with the Rangers again, or they can have Lowell play third base. Stay tuned.