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...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Today

Coby Mayo should see more than just the short-side platoon at 3B coming out of the break. Plus updates to starting pitchers Woodruff, Burrows and Gallen the the effects on their teams' rotations.
Jul 14 2026 9:18am
Nick Kurtz will get some rest for his thumb over an extended All-Star IL stint. Plus, Pittsburgh acquires Jacob Gonzalez and Brandon Eisert from Chicago; Landon Knack returns to the Dodgers and Matt Waldron does same with the Padres; and more...
Jul 12 2026 8:16am
Munetaka Murakami, Jeremy Peña, Ryan Jeffers and Vinnie Pasquantino are among those players returning from injury before the All-Star Break.
Jul 11 2026 8:11am
Oft-injured Wyatt Langford is back in the TEX lineup; Mark Vientos is out with a fractured hand; Brewers activate Logan Henderson; and much more...
Jul 10 2026 8:20am
Mike Trout and Tyler Soderstrom are back; Giants shelve Jonah Cox; Pirates give Endy Rodriguez an extended All-Star Break; and more...
Jul 9 2026 7:39am

Tools