Kevin

Youkilis

Boston’s two Jewish players have more cause to sit out over Yom Kippur than Green, as the Sox have less to play for at this time.

They should all be ready for activation when rosters expand next Wednesday.

The team chose Kevin Youkilis and Curt Leskanic over Scott Williamson and Ramiro Mendoza for the final spots on the ALDS roster. Williamson is out of the mix now that he’s opted for surgery, so they’ll go with the current 25.

Youkilis will be available as a pinch-hitter and a backup to Bill Mueller.

Youkilis, Boston’s third baseman of the future, is batting .321 with a .506 on-base percentage this season.

Better known for his on-base capabilities, Youkilis has been very clutch with runners on base, and now has 32 RBI in just 51 games. He has been better than advertised in his stint with Boston this season.

Going into last night Youkilis, Boston’s top hitting prospect, was hitless in his last 24 at-bats. Of the three times he’s reached base in seven games, two came from a hit by pitch, the other by a walk.

Youkilis, who banged his elbow against the metal railing while chasing a foul ball yesterday, experienced numbness in his left hand during and after the game. Although his elbow is slightly swollen, Youkilis expects to be in the lineup tomorrow night.

Youkilis needs to be in the minors if he’s not going to start at least a few times per week. He’ll return next time an infielder gets hurt.

He has had a difficult time getting into the lineup since Bill Mueller returned to action from a knee injury. Red Sox manager Terry Francona indicated that Youkilis will likely start Saturday against Rangers’ lefthander Kenny Rogers. If Boston is not going to play Youkilis fairly regularly, they should send him back to Triple-A Pawtucket.