Mike

Aviles

Youkilis swung at balls off a tee and some balls tossed to him before Friday’s rained out game, and Red Sox manager Terry Francona said the infielder “still feels it.” The manager will meet with Youkilis Saturday to discuss the situation. “I want to see how he’s doing,” Francona said. “What I don’t want to do is ask him to do something he shouldn’t be doing. I want to sit down and talk to him.’’ Mike Aviles has filled in admirably for Youkilis at third base, but it would certainly be a blow to the team’s playoff chances if Youk can’t make it back.

There was some talk about Aviles as a leadoff hitter in spring training, and he’ll have an opportunity to see regular at-bats there with Jacoby Ellsbury (shoulder) sidelined. He figures to see an uptick in production if he can hold onto the job. Cody Ross is starting in center field and batting sixth. Darnell McDonald is batting ninth.

Aviles scored three runs and drove home two in the game. He’s been on an absolute tear since taking over the leadoff spot in the wake of Jacoby Ellsbury’s injury and is now hitting .333 with three homers and 10 RBI on the season. Those who gambled on Aviles late in drafts as a shortstop or middle infielder are certainly reaping the rewards.

Valentine said he sees Nick Punto in a utility role, while rookie Jose Iglesias could push Aviles for playing time. This is a fantasy position to monitor throughout the spring, as it’s an open competition. Aviles may have the edge at this moment, but Iglesias, or even Punto, could overtake him with a strong camp. Iglesias, the thinking goes, isn’t ready for the majors with only 671 plate appearances in the minors. But Boston must think highly of him, or Aviles’ potential for production at baseball’s most important defensive position, after trading Jed Lowrie and Marco Scutaro this winter. Aviles has a bit of raw power and has value in AL-only fantasy leagues, but make sure to keep an eye on this position battle until Opening Day. He batted .255/.289/.409 with seven home runs and 39 RBI in 91 games last season between the Royals and Red Sox.

He missed Tuesday’s contest with a twisted left ankle. He is batting .222 on the young season.

We’re assuming he’s just getting the night off. Nick Punto will start in his place at shortstop and bat ninth against right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez.

Aviles entered the game 0-for-6, and had yet to take an at-bat outside the nine hole. Even if manager Bobby Valentine keeps his position-versatile shortstop buried at the bottom of the order, he should rack up enough counting stats to be worth owning in a large majority of mixed leagues.

Nick Punto will make the start at shortstop and bat ninth against right-hander Kyle Drabek. Aviles should continue to play on a pretty regular basis, but Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine has already shown that he’s not afraid to play Punto, as well.

It’s why Nick Punto got the start at shortstop on Tuesday night against the Blue Jays. Aviles is day-to-day.

B.C. made much more of a game of it than Northeastern did earlier in the day, but the Red Sox still didn’t have to sweat it. Aviles played shortstop tonight, with Nick Punto at second base. Punto is obviously the superior defender of the two, but if Aviles can play solid defense this spring, he’ll likely get the nod once the season starts.