BOSTON — The slumping Boston Red Sox have activated third baseman Kevin Youkilis from the disabled list, hoping he can help them hold onto a playoff spot in the final two weeks.
Youkilis was in the starting lineup Tuesday night against Toronto. He had been out since Aug. 18 with bursitis in his left hip and a sports hernia.
The Red Sox just finished a 1-6 road trip and began the day with a three-game lead over hard-charging Tampa Bay for the AL wild-card spot.
“I’m not concerned. We’re still ahead and it’s in our control,” Youkilis said.
Youkilis said he’d received an injection to help him deal with the hip and that he will have surgery to repair the hernia after the season.
“The bottom line for me is just going out and playing through it,” he said. “There are a lot of guys banged up … I’ll just go day to day and play it as I can tolerate it.”
Boston also summoned pitchers Trever Miller and Junichi Tazawa, speedy outfielder Joey Gathright, shortstop Jose Iglesias and first baseman Lars Anderson from the minors. Outfielder J.D. Drew was transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL and outfielder Nate Spears was designated for assignment. Drew can be activated Sunday.
Manager Terry Francona disclosed that reliever Bobby Jenks, out with a back injury that has him on the disabled list for the third time this season, has a small pulmonary embolism that was detected during the testing on his back. Francona said Jenks is taking medication to treat the problem.
Francona said the embolism was found a while ago.
“He’s doing great, but that’s what happened,” he said.
Francona also said ace Josh Beckett, sidelined by a sprained right ankle, has progressed to the point where he figures to start either Thursday or Friday.
Clay Buchholz, who hasn’t pitched since June 16 because of a back injury, is playing catch and hopes to throw a bullpen session later this week. Buchholz still hopes to pitch this season.