CLEVELAND (AP) – First baseman Kevin Youkilis and right fielder J.D. Drew were out of the Boston Red Sox starting lineup for Wednesday night’s game against the Cleveland Indians.

Drew, who did not start because of tightness in his left quadriceps, entered as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning and grounded into a fielder’s choice off reliever Jensen Lewis with the bases loaded. He was lifted for pinch-runner Julio Lugo.

Drew played the entire game Tuesday, but was also limited to pinch-hitting duties Monday because of the leg. He was replaced in Wednesday’s starting lineup by Jonathan Van Every.

“J.D. felt it late in the game (Tuesday) when he came in on a ball,” Boston manager Terry Francona said. “This is more a precaution. I don’t want to undo something for a month because you’re greedy in April.”

Youkilis, whose .405 average at the start of Wednesday led all of baseball, was hit in the back by a pitch from Anthony Reyes in the first inning of Tuesday night’s 9-8 loss to the Indians. He remained in the game, but was still experiencing soreness Wednesday. He was replaced in the starting lineup Wednesday by Jeff Bailey.

Lugo, who played in his first game of the season Tuesday following right knee surgery in March, was not in Wednesday’s lineup due to stiffness in the knee. Rookie Nick Green started at shortstop Wednesday and batted ninth.

AP-ES-04-29-09 2200EDT


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.