Discussion: Replacing Mike Lowell

The Red Sox were dealt a blow today when third baseman Mike Lowell was placed on the DL with a right hip strain. In a new video today, ESPN's Peter Gammons commented on the situation:

"One way or another, they need to find another bat… He's a huge loss on and off the field."

Gammons throws out Garrett Atkins and Nick Johnson as potential fits, though noting Johnson's defense has been suspect this season.

Adam Kilgore at the Boston Globe talked to Terry Francona about Lowell, who says he's feeling good and doesn't expect to miss much more than the 15-day minimum. Regardless, the 35-year-old Lowell had surgery on the hip in November and isn't guaranteed to stay healthy. He's posted a .282/.319/.470 line for a Sox team that has put up a .798 OPS, which sits at 3rd in the majors.

If you're Theo Epstein, do you trust that Lowell returns to form on time? Or do you pursue a corner bat to boost the offense? If so, who's your guy? Share your thoughts.