Third baseman Kevin Youkilis has been scratched from the lineup with back spasms, and catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez is in Cleveland dealing with a family matter, according to Boston.com.
Youkilis was recently examined as Massachusetts General Hospital and feared that he had a kidney stone; fortunately, he didn't, and hopefully, the back spasms will be easier to combat. He thinks the injury was sustained diving for a ball during this weekend's sweep of Tampa Bay.
Manager Terry Francona didn't sound too concerned about the matter as he spoke with reporters prior to Tuesday's game against Los Angeles.
"That will go away," he told The Boston Globe. "I think it's normal things that happen. When your back spasms up, there's not a lot you can do."
As for the possibility of Youk taking the field for Wednesday's game, Francona said, "If it's better, he'll play. If it's not, we'll wait."
Francona said Martinez is likely to return to Boston on Thursday. He had the team's blessing to Cleveland Tuesday and Wednesday.
In 2009, Youkilis is hitting .314 with 25 homers and 85 RBIs, marking the second straight season he has achieved the 25 homer mark. In 39 games with the Red Sox, Martinez is hitting .329 and slugging .517 with six homers and 30 RBIs.
