Boston's Youkilis Out For Season With Thumb Injury

The Boston Red Sox have lost Kevin Youkilis for the season with a torn muscle in his right thumb.

Manager Terry Francona said Thursday the first baseman will have season-ending surgery on Friday in Cleveland for the injury sustained Monday night in a 6-5 loss to the Cleveland Indians.

Youkilis is expected to be ready well before spring training starts.

The injury is the latest in a long line of them suffered by Boston. Batting fourth in the lineup for most of the season, Youkilis is hitting .307 with 19 homers and 62 RBIs. Francona said that Mike Lowell, who came off the disabled list when Youkilis went on it Tuesday, is expected to play at least four of the next five games at first base.