Lowell Out of WBC

The Red Sox have requested that Mike Lowell not participate in the World Baseball Classic as he continues his recovery from hip surgery. Redsox.com reported the following on his progress:

Lowell's recovery is said to be going well and the Red Sox are optimistic he will make a strong comeback for 2009.

In fact, Lowell, according to WEEI.com, took 50 swings off a tee on Tuesday, marking the first time he has swung a bat since his surgery.

I would have thought his progress would be a little further along than that at this point. Spring Training starts in 3 weeks and if Lowell is just starting to swing a bat I am wondering if he can be ready by opening day. If Lowell can't start the season we may see Lowrie at third and Lugo at short in the first few weeks.