BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox removed injured third baseman Mike Lowell from the roster for the remainder of the 2008 American League Division Series late Monday.

The move means that Lowell would not be eligible for the active roster in the event the Red Sox advance to the American League Championship Series.

"He's hurting today," Boston manager Terry Francona said at a news conference before the move was announced. "When he finally did get on base, we ran for him just because if there was a grounder in the hole and he can't get to second, that puts him in an unfair position."

Lowell's hip injury limited him to one at bat in the Red Sox last 11 regular-season games.

He went 0-for-4 as Boston won the opener 4-1, sat out the second game and went 0-for-4 in the third game.

"His ability to try to play through a bunch of pain is remarkable," Francona said, "but I think we all kind of saw it was difficult for him last night. "

Boston has replaced Lowell on the roster with infielder Gil Velazquez.