PLAYING TIME: Youkilis returns, Middlebrooks stays, Gonzalez starts in RF

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Youkilis activated, Gonzalez to right field

Kevin Youkilis (3B, BOS) was activated from the disabled list, got the start at first base, and homered in his first game back.  Following a disappointing, injury-plagued 2011 season, he was off to a very slow start before hurting his back.  In a small sample of 64 at-bats, Youkilis had seen his contact rate dip to 69% and his walk rate to 7%, and his uncharacteristically low 0.25 Eye had led to a .219 batting average.  He was also lacking in the power department, as with a 20% fly ball rate, he had just a 91 PX and two home runs.  Youkilis should significantly improve upon that level of production, but he will continue to be a major injury risk, and may see more days off...

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