Kevin Youkilis to DL with Sore Back

The Red Sox placed slugger Kevin Youkilis on the 15 day disabled list yesterday before their series opener with the Royals.  Youkilis was replaced on Boston’s roster by Triple-A catcher Ryan Lavarnway.

Youkilis has been dealing with a back injury for some time now, and the club finally decided it best to give their third baseman some time off.

"“He’s got a lower back strain or sprain that we kind of knew,” said manager Terry Francona. “Structurally, he came out pretty sound. His body was so beat up anyway, I think this was like the last straw. It kind of put him over the edge. Hopefully we can get him back and get him back feeling like he can be Youkilis. After the game yesterday, it was kind of becoming obvious to everybody that he needed to get checked.”"

His back has hampered Youkilis’s numbers this month.  The 32 year old has only managed an August line of .209/.306/.442.

Though his average is down a bit this season, Youkilis has still reached base at a .380 clip to go with his 49 extra base hits and 78 RBI’s.

Boston’s lineup is now minus two of its best bats, as designated hitter David Ortiz is also on the shelf with heel bursitis.  Papi is expected to return next week, but Youkilis will miss at least two weeks of action.

Jed Lowrie manned the hot corner for the Sox last night while Lavarnway made his Major League debut as the team’s DH.  He is expected to remain in that spot while the team is without Ortiz.

Lavarnway has spent the season playing for Boston’s Double and Triple-A affiliates.  Combined, the 24 year old managed an impressive line of .293/.372/.559 with 30 home runs and 85 RBI’s.

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