The Red Sox's quiet season is about to get a little quieter.
The Red Sox announced that first baseman Kevin Youkilis will opt for season-ending surgery on a torn muscle in his thumb. Youkilis, who was hitting .317 with 19 home runs, will likely be replaced by Mike Lowell in the lineup.
"As tough as it is to lose Youkilis, I think we're pretty fortunate," Francona said. "I don't know how many teams can take a Youkilis out and put a Lowell in. I guess that's how I prefer to look at it."
Lowell is hitting just .216 with 3 home runs this season, but his veteran know-how and style of play will fit right in with the Red Sox down the stretch. If two teams nearly traded for him last week, it's obvious teams think he can still play.
The Red Sox also worked out Carlos Delgado today and it is possible they will sign him, but there are strong indications that the White Sox will make a move for him.