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Youkilis Needs Offseason Surgery, Will Play Through Pain

BOSTON (CBS) – Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis returned to the Boston lineup Tuesday night, but before the game revealed he will need offseason surgery.

The Red Sox All-Star is suffering from a sports hernia, but has decided to play through it and finish out the season.

Youkilis suffered a similar injury in 2006. He recently missed Boston's three game series against the Rays in Tampa with bursitis in his left hip. He returned to Boston to receive an injection, and said Tuesday the hip has not healed properly.

Youkilis also had a stint on the disabled list in August because of a sore back. The Sox third baseman told reporters on Tuesday all three injuries are related.

Read: Beckett Set To Return Thursday or Friday

But right now, all Youkilis is focused on is playing baseball as the Red Sox make a run towards the playoffs.

"The bottom line for me is going out there and playing through it," he said before Tuesday's 18-6 win over Toronto. "There are a lot of guys banged up here. It's September and there are a lot of guys feeling stuff."

Youkilis has battled injuries for most of the season which has led to a decrease in his production. He is currently batting just .259 with 17 home runs and 80 RBI in 118 games.

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