Here are a few highlights from Sox manager Terry Francona's pregame chat with the media Saturday afternoon at Fenway.

On Mike Lowell: The Sox are "hoping to activate Lowell by Friday," said Francona, who called that the "best-case scenario." According to Francona, the third baseman had another good day Friday, and he will hit again before Saturday night's game against the Royals. "Then, we'll work him on Sunday and send him on his way," Francona said.
On post-All Star Game plans with the pitching staff: Francona said they were not going to lay out post All-Star pitching plans yet. Instead, the team will wait until after game to firm things up. Francona indicated that the team had had conversations already with pitchers.
On John Smoltz: The Sox are "really pleased with his stuff so far" said the skipper, but cautioned, "We have to be patient....

Dustin Pedroia's two-out double scored pinch-runner Aaron Bates to break a scoreless tie in the bottom of the eighth and Jonathan Papelbon pitched a perfect ninth for his 23rd save as the Red Sox nipped the Kansas City Royals, 1-0, Friday night at Fenway Park. The game was a pitchers' duel between Boston lefty Jon Lester, who no-hit the Royals in May 2008, and Brian Bannister, who was the tough-luck loser. Lester (8-6) went eight shutout innings, allowing four hits. Jacoby Ellsbury was ejected in the fifth inning by home plate umpire Derryl Cousins for slamming his helmet after being called out at home, trying to score from third base. For more, visit the Full Count blog.