Youkilis takes his medicine

“We decided to just take our medicine and move on,’’ Francona said. “We seem to be healthy right now. There’s always the idea that you could get it reduced. There’s also the idea that it could come at a worse time. So, take our medicine, do the best we can, and move on.’’

Youkilis agreed with the decision not to appeal and did not argue the league’s suspension, either.

“You just got to do what you’ve got to do,’’ he said. “I don’t really have an opinion on it. It is what it is. You just got to move forward. Hopefully, the next four days will be quick.

“I don’t have any regrets over it. The kids I work with in my charity and stuff like that, just telling them that’s not the right thing to do. But there comes a point in your life where it takes so much, and if people don’t do things in the right manner, then you get kind of fed up with it. You have to do what you have to do in life to protect yourself. I take one ball off the eye or anything like that, my career could be over. And I take a lot of pride in this career.’’

Porcello also was suspended for five games and Tigers pitcher Edwin Jackson was fined. Jackson, while pitching for the Tampa Bay Rays last season, was suspended five games for his role in a brawl between the Sox and the Rays. He was the most demonstrative player in Tuesday’s fracas other than Youkilis or Porcello.

Youkilis has become a common target for opposing pitchers. He’s been hit 10 times this season, tied for fourth in the American League. Youkilis deflected the notion that he’s been hit more because he has become one of the sport’s best hitters, and he also chafed at the idea that he invites getting hit with his batting style.