Projo Sox Blog

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON _ Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis will miss his fifth consecutive game on Sunday with an undisclosed injury to his lower left side.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona is calling it a deep bruise, and the team doesn't believe Youkilis will be placed on the disabled list.

"I don't know what it is. You'll have to ask the doctors," said Youkilis when he arrived in the clubhouse Saturday afternoon. "It's on my side and I don't know the proper terminology."

Francona also suggested Youkilis will not play on Sunday. The club will travel to the West Coast following the series finale against the Rays and will have Monday off in Anaheim. Youkilis is hoping to return soon.

"I feel better. Today I feel a lot better," he said. "With rest and treatment everyday it will get better. Hopefully I can play as soon as possible. I don't know when that will be, hopefully not too long away."

Youkilis said management has discussed the possibility of a stint on the DL, but the first baseman doesn't believe it will get to that point.

"Hopefully I'll be able to play this week," he said.

He hasn't been able to swing a bat because the medical staff doesn't want him put a lot of torque on his body.

Meanwhile, he said he's enjoying the job teammate Jason Bay is doing in the cleanup spot in the order.

"If he's going to keep it going, he can stay there," said Youkilis. I don't care where I hit in the order as long as it's not leadoff. I'll hit seventh, I did most of last year before the All-Star break."

As much as it's tough to watch, Youkilis isn't about to push it. Plus, with the club winning, watching from the sidelines hasn't been too bad for him.

"If we were losing, I would be really pissed," he said. "I don't like to watch, but it's a lot easier when we're playing good baseball."

 Tags  Kevin Youkilis Red Sox Terry Francona

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