Bobby Valentine Remains Unsure of Extent of Kevin Youkilis’ Back Injury

BOSTON –– The stiff back continues to plague Kevin Youkilis.

As a result, the Red Sox third baseman will miss his third straight game and fifth of the season on Tuesday night. Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine elected to sit Youkilis against Oakland, partly because of the wet conditions on the diamond.

“I was with him [Tuesday] in the training room,” Valentine said. “There are times where it’s pretty sore. Different movements. He’s doing everything he can in the training room. [On Monday], it was during infield practice. The day before, it was during batting practice. He’s doing everything he can. Other opinions or any of that stuff –– I’m not sure where we are on it. It seems like he has a situation that we just have to get over.”

During the Red Sox’ last home stand, Youkilis sat out one game with a groin injury.

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