By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Just a day off for Jed Lowrie. Matt Palmer is tough against lefty hitters and manager Terry Francona wants to keep Marco Scutaro sharp.

"I want to get Scutaro a game today. I think it's important. Jed's played a bunch in a row," Francona said. "The same thing with J.D. [Drew]. Give J.D. a day after the quick turnaround and let [Mike Cameron] play a game. I try to do it on days that make sense. That's kind of what we're thinking."