BOSTON -- Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis is out of the lineup again today with a stiff back. When asked how Youkilis was feeling this morning, Red Sox manager Terry Francona said "Not as good as he hoped."

"He's here but he's not going to play," said Francona. "We were a little hopeful, but with a day off tomorrow it doesn't make any sense [to play him], especially since he came in a little tighter than we had hoped."

Francona said Youkilis first felt the discomfort during Monday's game, but he didn't seem to think it was any big deal. Prior to Tuesday's game Youkilis couldn't get his back to loosen up enough to be able to play.

Red Sox newcomer, and outfielder, Mark Kotsay will play first base today.

It's been a while since Kotsay has played first, but Francona said he's impressed with how well the outfielder can move on the corner.

"You worry when you send a guy out there who hasn't played that much, because you don't want them to do something they normally wouldn't do," said the manager. "He'll be fine."