Kevin Youkilis and J.D. Drew Nearing Return for Red Sox
By Editorial Staff
Kevin Youkilis and J.D. Drew each began an injury assignment last night, and the two are set to return for the Red Sox later this week.
The pair will make a short stop with Pawtucket, Boston’s Triple-A affiliate, before rejoining the Sox. Drew is expected to return Thursday while Youkilis will be back in action Friday for the Red Sox.
Drew has been out since late July with a bum left shoulder. After experiencing discomfort in his arm, Drew underwent an MRI that determined he was dealing with what manager Terry Francona termed “normal wear and tear”.
Boston hoped that by giving Drew some time off, he would be able to return strong for them for their late season run. The move made sense considering Drew wasn’t providing much production for Boston. Over his 77 games, Drew only managed a line of .219/.317/.305 with 4 home runs and 21 RBI’s.
Youkilis would likely be sharing a return with Drew Thursday, but he isn’t eligible to come off the disabled list until a day later. Youkilis has been rehabbing a lower back strain that’s sidelined him since August 17th.
Before the injury, Youkilis was having another impressive season in Boston. In 110 games, Youkilis hit at a clip of .266/.380/.481 with 17 home runs, 30 doubles and 78 RBI’s.
Drew and Youkilis are scheduled to suit up for Pawtucket once more Wednesday, as they played in their first rehab game last night. Drew went 3-3 on the evening, with a trio of singles, before being removed in the 5th. Youkilis played the whole game, going 1-4 with a walk and run scored.
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