BALTIMORE -- Red Sox corner infielder Kevin Youkilis doubled and walked twice in four plate appearances in what was likely the last game of his rehab assignment. He played all nine innings at third base for Triple-A Pawtucket, though he was involved in just one play (an early groundout).
Youkilis went 4-for-11 with two doubles, three walks and four strikeouts in four games with the PawSox. He will now travel to Baltimore on Tuesday to be examined by the Sox. Assuming that there are no setbacks, the 33-year-old -- who has been on the disabled list for three weeks due to a back strain -- is expected to be activated for Tuesday's contest against Baltimore.
"Sounds like he’s just what the doctor ordered," said Sox manager Bobby Valentine.
The Sox are considering keeping Will Middlebrooks on their big league roster with Youkilis back. Given that Cody Ross will be placed on the disabled list on Tuesday, the team is reluctant to sacrifice right-handed hitting, and so the team is considering bringing back Youkilis (who would play first and third) while keeping Middlebrooks (who would only play third base) and having Adrian Gonzalez play a bit of right field in addition to occupying first.
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