Ryan Kalish, Darnell McDonald Must Continue to Carry Red Sox Outfield in Starters’ Absence

With Mike Cameron and Jacoby Ellsbury out of the picture, Red Sox replacements Ryan Kalish, Darnell McDonald and Daniel Nava are going to have to play well down the stretch to keep the Sox in contention.

News came late Tuesday that both Cameron and Ellsbury would be out for the remainder of the season.

Cameron said that the best that he could give going forward in 2010 would be 65 percent, and Ellsbury received word from Dr. Lewis Yocum following his examination that he had another broken rib.

Eric Patterson also went on the 15-day DL on Tuesday, meaning that Kalish, McDonald and Nava will get nearly all of the reps in the outfield alongside J.D. Drew.

Both Kalish and McDonald homered in Tuesday night's game against the Angels.

Hideki Okajima is in the midst of his rehab throwing program after going on the 15-day DL on August 6, and Kevin Cash remains on the DL as well.

Jason Varitek looks to return from his broken foot in the coming weeks. Results from his Tuesday examinations are forthcoming after scans showed improvement but incomplete healing in his foot.

Kevin Youkilis, labeled as being out for the season, has expressed hope that he could return for October.

“I hope I can come back and play. There’s got to be a lot to happen. We’ve got to win to get in the playoffs and then, that’s the greatest thing," Youkilis told The Boston Globe.

In order for that to even become a possibility, Kalish, McDonald, and Nava will have to continue their strong play.