CHICAGO -- Kevin Youkilis said after the Red Sox' 4-1 loss to the White Sox Sunday that he was available for pinch-hitting duty despite being scratched just before the game with a stiff lower back.
"I was just really tight today and it locked up and they decided to scratch me and use me later on int he game if they were going to use me," Youkilis said.
"I can't play the outfielder and I'm not left-handed, so I think that was the reason for those (decisions not to pinch-hit him). As far as I know -- maybe, I don't know if trainers said anything else. As far as I was concerned, I was ready."
Youkilis said he hadn't experienced any stiffness in the days leading up the injury, but surmised the cold weather throughout the three-game series might have contributed to the ailment.
"It's probably just three days in the freezing cold," he said. "I don't know, I felt good. I felt good all week. I just woke up and it was tight. I went and did all my usual stuff and it just tightened up. Instead of missing three days or a week, they kind of took the cautious route with it."
The third baseman said he sees no reason why he wouldn't be back in the lineup for the series opener against the Athletics, Monday at Fenway Park.
"I should be good. Get some rest, at home, in the bed," Youkilis said. "It should be fine. Just need some warm weather, makes the body feel a lot better. Anything's better than this. It'll be good."
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