The phrase "if and when" has been uttered countless times in discussions surrounding the Red Sox, most notably when discussing their potential advancement to the postseason.
As it relates to injured third baseman Kevin Youkilis, both "if" and "when" may have just walked out the door.
Manager Terry Francona said Wednesday that Youkilis is probably out for the remainder of the season, however long that lasts, one game or 21 games.
"I think the writing's on the wall. I don't think you're going to see him play again [this season]," Francona told reporters in his pregame briefing in Baltimore.
Youkilis has sat since Sept. 15 with left hip bursitis and a sports hernia that will require offseason surgery. He was hitting just .167 (6-for-36) with 11 strikeouts in the month of September before he took a seat on the sidelines.
The 32-year-old Youkilis was on the disabled list from Aug. 18 through Sept. 2 with a lower back strain. He hit a career-low .258 with 17 home runs and 80 RBIs in 120 games this year.
