Season-ending surgery for Youkilis

BOSTON - Just when the Boston Red Sox are getting their better hitters back from injury, they've lost one of their best for the season.

First baseman Kevin Youkilis is scheduled to have season-ending surgery for a torn muscle in his right thumb Friday in Cleveland. Youkilis was hitting .307 with 19 homers and 62 RBIs.

Mike Lowell, usually a third baseman, is expected to play at least four of the next five games at first. "As tough as it is to lose Youkilis, I think we're pretty fortunate," manager Terry 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."

Centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury returned to the lineup Wednesday after broken ribs limited him to nine games all season. Catcher Victor Martinez was sidelined for 23 games with a broken left thumb before returning July 26. Lowell missed 34 games with a strained right hip.

Second baseman Dustin Pedroia has missed 34 games with a broken left foot and catcher Jason Varitek has missed 30 with a fractured right foot. They're still out. Centerfielder Mike Cameron went on the DL Monday with an abdominal strain.- AP