BOSTON — Kevin Youkilis will join a fleet of rehabbing Red Sox veterans early next week when he joins Triple-A Pawtucket for a couple of games.
Youkilis, who has been on the disabled list since Aug. 18 with a strained lower back, will get in some at-bats Tuesday and Wednesday with the PawSox. They will be playing games in Rochester and likely looking to nail down a berth in the International League playoffs.
As that pursuit takes place, Youkilis will not be the only major leaguer in the fold.
J.D. Drew, who is playing two games at Single-A Lowell beginning Friday night, is expected to join Pawtucket around that time. Also, right-hander Bobby Jenks may find his way to the staff by then. Jenks is scheduled to throw an inning for Single-A Salem on Saturday before navigating the extreme weather to meet up with the PawSox on the road.
Both Drew and Jenks can come off the DL whenever they are ready. Youkilis is eligible to come back Sept. 1. The progress he has shown so far makes that a distinct possibility.
"He's doing really well," manager Terry Francona said Friday, a day which saw Youkilis hit in the cage and take grounders at Fenway Park.
