Youkilis Out Of Red Sox Lineup For Third Straight Game
BOSTON (CBS) -- Kevin Youkilis' minor injury is causing a bit more of a problem than originally anticipated.
The third baseman is not in Boston's lineup Tuesday night against Oakland, marking the third straight game he's been held out of the starting lineup.
Youkilis missed Sunday's game in Chicago with a sore back, and he was a late scratch for Monday's game against Oakland.
Nick Punto will start at third base and bat ninth for Boston on Tuesday. Punto is hitting just .182 this season. With Youkilis batting just .219, the Red Sox' combined average for third basemen sits at .215, fourth-worst in the American League.
If Youkilis' injury results in any more missed time, the Sox could be tempted to call up Will Middlebrooks, who is hitting .348 with nine home runs and 27 RBIs for Triple-A Pawtucket this season.
