Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com says Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell has abandoned any expectation that the team will release him.

“I don’t think they’re going to release me,’’ said Lowell.

“I think that’s been addressed. I’ve got no say. What do you want me to do?’’

Lowell is hitting .213 with 2 home runs and 12 RBIs in 31 games.

Edes questions why the Sox wouldn’t release him.  He says, “Are they concerned that he would catch on with a team like the Rangers, who have a need for a right-handed hitting first baseman, and do something to beat the Sox in the playoffs?”

“I don’t know if it’s specifically because I might beat them, I just don’t think they want me to go to another team while they pay my salary,’’ Lowell said. “At this point, they’re not going to get anything [in a trade]. You’re going to get a subpar prospect at best. There’s too much time left in the season, they’re not going to get money.

“I don’t know to what lengths and what teams have spoken with them. Maybe nobody wants me. Maybe there are four that want me. I’ve been hearing a lot of different things. I just don’t know.’’

Lowell is expected to begin a rehabilitation assignment Thursday in Triple-A Pawtucket.

“I’m not opposed to [do a rehab assignment],’’ Lowell said. “I’d like to get at-bats, and the guys are healthy at the three positions I play. Like I tell everyone, if I played basically any other position than the three I can play — first base, DH and third — I’d probably have at-bats.”