BOSTON — World Series MVP Mike Lowell was put on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday because of a strained left oblique muscle, another blow to the middle of the Boston batting order.

Lowell, who led the Red Sox with 120 RBIs last season, was hurt when swinging and missing a pitch during the seventh inning of Tuesday's 19-17 win over Texas. He came out of the game at the start of the next inning.

Boston traded unhappy Manny Ramirez last month to the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of a three-team trade that brought left fielder Jason Bay from Pittsburgh to the Red Sox.

Lowell, the No. 5 hitter for most of last season, had mostly alternated between cleanup and fifth after Ramirez's departure.

"Mikey got looked at today," Boston manager Terry Francona said before the club's game against Texas. "Obviously we're not going to know today or tomorrow the length of the thing. We'll let him get treatment, hopefully it's quicker than not."

Lowell, a third baseman, was sidelined for just under three weeks in April because of a sprained left thumb. He is hitting .270 with 14 homers and 67 RBIs.

Boston recalled right-hander David Pauley from Triple-A Pawtucket to take Lowell's roster spot.