Youkilis returns to Boston for the first time since getting traded as the Chicago White Sox - winners of seven straight at Fenway Park - open a four-game set with the Red Sox, who have much to be excited about with Carl Crawford's expected season debut Monday night.
After hitting .233 with four homers and 14 RBIs in 42 games with Boston (45-44) and having his commitment to the game questioned by manager Bobby Valentine, Youkilis - thanks also largely to Will Middlebrooks's emergence - was shipped to AL Central-leading Chicago in exchange for Brent Lillibridge, Zach Stewart and cash June 24.
The three-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, who spent the first eight-plus seasons of his career with the Red Sox, has been a welcome addition to the White Sox (49-39). He's compiled a .295 average in 16 games with his new team, going deep three times with 15 RBIs.
While Youkilis can expect to receive a warm ovation at Fenway, Red Sox fans should have lots more to cheer for with Crawford's much-anticipated activation from the disabled list.
The four-time All-Star outfielder, who signed a seven-year, $142-million contract prior to what was a disappointing 2011 campaign, has yet to take the field this season. He underwent wrist surgery in January before spraining the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow during spring training.
Crawford went 11 for 36 (.306) with an on-base percentage of .432 during an 11-game rehabilitation assignment.
Boston returns home after taking two of three at Tampa Bay - including Sunday's 7-3 victory. Daniel Nava and Mike Aviles both homered while Josh Beckett earned his first win in nearly two months.
The Red Sox could be hard-pressed to build on Sunday's result with the White Sox coming to town. Chicago has outscored Boston 46-26 during a seven-game winning streak at Fenway.
The White Sox posted their 11th win in 15 games overall Sunday, 2-1 at Kansas City. Chris Sale threw eight strong innings and Adam Dunn belted his major league-leading 28th homer - his third in as many days.
After sending Gavin Floyd - Monday's original scheduled starter - back to Chicago due to soreness in his right forearm and elbow, the White Sox give the ball to Dylan Axelrod (1-2, 6.16 ERA). The right-hander pitched two scoreless innings of relief Friday, earning the win during a 9-8, 14-inning victory at Kansas City.
Axelrod has had a rough go at it over five starts, going 0-2 with a 7.11 ERA. In his last start, the rookie surrendered a career-high seven runs and three homers over three innings of an 11-9 loss to Toronto on July 8.
The Red Sox counter with Aaron Cook (2-2, 4.37), who is 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts since being removed from the disabled list June 24. The veteran right-hander, though, wasn't very sharp in his final outing before the All-Star break, yielding three runs and nine hits over six innings in a 3-2 loss at Oakland on July 4.
Cook is 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA over two career starts versus Chicago. A.J. Pierzynski has gone 1 for 12 against Cook while Dunn is 4 for 18 with a homer.
BOSTON is 3-1 (+1.8 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
COOK is 1-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.750.
Keep in mind Axelrod is pitching on 3 days rest. With that said we have to consider what has happened to pitchers this year on 3 days rest. Well the numbers of hits blow up considerably and Axelrod is already given up a lot of HR's and this short-rest start will be no different. The guy is a relief pitcher - not a starter. I think that will show today as well.
When you look at Cook and his sinker-ball i think you will see the obvious advantage that Boston has here, especially being at home. Chicago won't be getting the HR's or big hits off Cook tonight. Instead i think Chicago gives up a lot of double plays on those infield grounders. Hopefully thew weather doesn't play a factor as the weatherman has a forecast of isolated rain/showers @ 81deg with winds from the East @ 5mhp. Tonight we take the RED SOX with Cook on the mound. I think he'll be impressive. Good Luck.
BOS RED SOX -121
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