BOSTON (AP) — Kevin Youkilis has returned to the lineup of the slumping Boston Red Sox, hoping he can help them gain a playoff spot in the final two weeks.
The third baseman had missed three games with bursitis in his left hip and a sports hernia. He had been on the disabled list from Aug. 18 to Sept. 2 with a back injury. Youkilis said the three injuries are related to each other.
The Red Sox played Toronto on Tuesday night. After a 1-6 road trip, they began the day with a three-game lead over Tampa Bay for the AL wild-card spot.
Boston also summoned pitchers Trever Miller and Junichi Tazawa, speedy outfielder Joey Gathright, shortstop Jose Iglesias and first baseman Lars Anderson from the minors. Outfielder J.D. Drew was transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL and outfielder Nate Spears was designated for assignment.
