After rumors began swirling that the Boston Red Sox were looking to trade third baseman Kevin Youkilis, general manager Ben Cherington was quick to shout those down.
“That’s inaccurate,” Cherington said. “Some teams have checked in on him. We haven’t told any teams we plan to trade him. It’s our job to listen if teams have interest. He’s swinging the bat well since coming off the D.L. and (is) a big part of our team and lineup.”
Youkilis is 6-for-19 in his six games since returning with a .316/.409/.474/.883 batting line. He also has a home run, two RBI and three walks over that span.
However, the emergence of Will Middlebrooks and the fact that Youkilis is in the final year of his contract (the team has a $13 million option on him for 2013), as well as his inability to stay healthy, have undoubtedly led the Red Sox to “listen” to offers for Youkilis.
The 33-year-old Youkilis is hitting just .250 with four home runs this season.
