The Cleveland Indians are reportedly monitoring Kevin Youkilis during his minor league rehab stint. The veteran Red Sox first and third baseman is having a tumultuous injury-plagued season in Boston, and many suspect he will be put on the trading block as the Sox search for answers. Boston GM Ben Cherington recently stated that Youkilis will get his starting job back at third base as soon as he’s done rehabbing from “lower back discomfort.”
But Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reported that both the Tribe and Philadelphia Phillies are monitoring him:
#Indians and #Phillies are among the teams monitoring Kevin Youkilis in his minor league rehab, says a BB source. #RedSox
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) May 20, 2012
Crasnick also reports that the Indians have not yet talked to Boston about Youkilis. As Indians fans are well-aware, the lineup could use a right handed bat. Youkilis is a right-handed hitter whose best days are likely behind him, but could improve with a change of scenery. He’s hitting .219 with 2 homers and 9 RBIs in 18 games this season.
