Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
When the New York Yankees acquired Kevin Youkilis during the offseason to counteract the loss of Alex Rodriguez for the bulk of the 2013, it was a mildly controversial, but smart decision.
Though Youkilis has been a member of Boston Red Sox Nation and a public enemy in New York, he is an accomplished veteran infielder with a great bat and approach to the plate. He had a difficult 2012 season, getting off to a rough start both offensively and with his then-manager Bobby Valentine. But, a mid-season trade to the Chicago White Sox seemed to straighten him out, and he seemed poised for success on the big Yankee stage.
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Youk had a very impressive spring training, followed by an impressive start in April. He hit safely in his first nine games, but back spasms led to him being put on the disabled list.
He was placed on the 15 Day DL on April 30, received some shots for the pain a few days later, and reported feeling great and ready to play. Now, with less than a week left in May, Youkilis’ return has exceeded the 15 days and is still uncertain.
In a press conference on Thursday, manager Joe Girardi was vague about Youk, saying, “I think you’d have to give him a few days in a row before you evaluate to make sure his back is healed and it doesn’t come back. The last two days have been pretty good. So he’s getting closer.”
This statement is troubling as it indicates no clear return date for the infielder that could bring some stability to the Yankee infield and lineup.
Youk did play in a simulated game in which he had six at-bats, and hopefully he can return some time in the next couple of weeks. If he can return soon, Youkilis could be an asset to the Yankees, bolstering the lineup as well as tightening up the defense with a veteran presence on the left side of the infield.
Jayson Nix and the combination of David Adams and Reid Brignac have been useful replacements for the battered team, but sooner or later, the need for power and experience is going to show.
Youkilis is an All-Star veteran with experience at third base with some power, hitting 15 home runs last year in his half season with the White Sox. He is another righty bat who takes pitches and gets good at-bats, and the quicker he can get healthy from this mysteriously lingering back injury, the better.
Holly Berkowitz is a New York Yankees writer for www.rantsports.com. Follow her on Twitter @hollyberry9118.
