Early Saturday morning Julio Lugo told reporters he was worried. A little while later, on the other side of the state, Red Sox manager Terry Francona explained why that might be the case.

Speaking to reporters in Fort Lauderdale before the Red Sox’ game with the Orioles, Francona said that Lugo — who was taken out of Friday night’s game with a sore right knee — might have a meniscus tear. Lugo had been sent for an MRI during the Red Sox’ game against the Yankees, Friday night.

Lugo said he first felt the pain when rounding first base on a double in the Red Sox’ March 8 against Tampa Bay. He also said that the pain was so severe Friday night that he attempted to call the bench to be taken out of the game before Xavier Nady hit into an inning-ending double play.

“I’m worried,” said Lugo, who is hitting .450 this spring. “Every time you have something hurt, you’re worried because I know I’m the type, when something bothers me, when I say something, I’m in pain. Otherwise I’m not going to complain to pain. If you see me coming out, I’m hurting.”

Dr. Thomas Gill examined Lugo in Fort Myers, with the shortstop’s MRI results being sent up for examination in Boston.