Youk Scratched From Friday Night Lineup With Back Spasms

BOSTON (AP) – Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis was scratched

from Boston's lineup against Philadelphia on Friday night because

of back spasms.

Youkilis was replaced by Mike Lowell, who also took over for

Youkilis in the bottom of the seventh inning Thursday night in an

8-7 loss at Cleveland.

Second baseman Dustin Pedroia said after Thursday's game that

his right knee has been bothering him, but he was in the lineup

against the Phillies. Pedroia had an MRI on the aching knee but

there were no signs of serious injury, manager Terry Francona said.

In other moves, the Red Sox activated closer Jonathan Papelbon

from the bereavement list, placed outfielder Jeremy Hermida on the

15-day disabled list because of fractured ribs, recalled pitcher

Scott Atchison from Triple-A Pawtucket and designated pitcher Joe

Nelson for assignment.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)