Because Rodriguez was a fan-elected All-Star, Youkilis was selected for this third appearance by American League manager Ron Washington.
Youkilis, who went 3 for 4 with 2 doubles, 2 RBIs, and a run during last night’s 4-0 win, has reached safely in a season-high 21 games since June 15, hitting .347 (26 for 75) with 8 doubles, 3 homers, and 19 RBIs during that stretch. He’s batting .282 with 12 homers and 61 RBIs.
“It’s been one of those first halves where I’ve had to really, really grind as much as possible to get to where I am today,’’ Youkilis said. “It hasn’t been easy with all the little bangs and bruises, but that’s part of baseball. You’re going to get nicked and you’re going to get knocked down and there’s things that are going to ache you every day.
“But it was great just to be able to be the next guy in line to go to the All-Star Game,’’ said Youkilis, who will depart for Phoenix along with David Ortiz, Adrian Gonzalez, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Josh Beckett after today’s game.
Tests for Beckett Beckett did his normal postgame work and played catch yesterday, but manager Terry Francona said he would likely be checked out after a side session today.
“We’ll kind of reevaluate him from there, not just for his start going forward with us, but with All-Star ramifications,’’ Francona said. “We don’t want to hold up the league. So he’ll go out early … and if he’s OK, he’s OK.’’
Jeter saluted The news of Derek Jeter’s 3,000th hit - coming on a home run, no less - was welcomed news in the Sox clubhouse, with several players doffing their caps to the Yankees’ captain.
“If you like baseball, he’s a lot of what’s good with baseball,’’ Francona said. “He respects the game. He plays the game right. He makes me proud for the way he goes about his business.
The fact Jeter became the first Yankee to record 3,000 hits surprised some in the clubhouse.
“I didn’t realize he was the only Yankee to get 3,000 hits,’’ Jonathan Papelbon said. “It’s very impressive.’’
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