Pokey on DL. Youk, Malaska Back Up. Gutierrez Deal Done.
Youkilis will play third, Bellhorn at short tonight. Sox also pick up second baseman Ricky Gutierrez for PTL/cash considerations.
The Boston Red Sox placed infielder Pokey Reese on the 15-day disabled list and called up third baseman Kevin Youkilis from Triple-A Pawtucket, general manager Theo Epstein said Wednesday.
Reese strained a rib-cage muscle during batting practice several days ago. He played Monday night against Seattle but left the game in the third inning after experiencing pain in his right side.
Reese, who missed four games late last month because of a sprained left wrist, had been scheduled to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging exam in Boston on Wednesday after the team returned from a road trip.
Youkilis was scheduled to start at third base Wednesday night against the Baltimore Orioles.
Mark Bellhorn was scheduled to start at shortstop for Nomar Garciaparra, according to manager Terry Francona's lineup card. Garciaparra was supposed to have Tuesday off, but played because Reese was unavailable.
Bill Mueller, Boston's regular third baseman, was in the lineup card at second base.
Reese is hitting .230 with three home runs and 27 RBI in 77 games.
Youkilis made his big league debut May 15. He hit .287 with three home runs and 19 RBI in 38 games. He was optioned to Pawtucket last month.
The Red Sox also recalled left-handed relief pitcher Mark Malaska and optioned right-handed reliever Joe Nelson to Pawtucket.