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Shorthanded Red Sox hope to get back on track

Jun 24, 2008 - 12:12 PM Arizona (40-37) at Boston (47-32), 7:05 pm EDT

BOSTON (Ticker) -- The Boston Red Sox could have a void to fill at first base when they continue their three-game interleague series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

Designated hitter David Ortiz, who does have experience playing at first, is on the disabled list and Sean Casey is in the midst of serving his three-game suspension for his part in a brawl with the Tampa Bay Rays on June 5.

Things got more complicated Monday when starting first baseman Kevin Youkilis suffered a freak injury during a 2-1 loss to the Diamondbacks - the Red Sox third loss in four games.

Before the top of the fifth inning, third baseman Mike Lowell short-hopped his throw to Youkilis during warm-ups. The ball came off the dirt and hit Youkilis in the right eye, causing immediate swelling and a dark bruise.

Youkilis was taken out and replaced with rookie Brandon Moss, who made his first career appearance at first base.

With some of their top hitters out of the lineup, the Red Sox will need rookie righthander Justin Masterson (4-1, 3.00 ERA) to be at his best. Coming off his first career loss, Masterson allowed just two runs and four hits with two walks and a strikeout over five frames in Wednesday's 7-4 triumph over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Arizona will counter with lefthander Doug Davis (2-3, 3.65), who is coming off a pair of no decisions despite allowing just one run over his previous 13 innings. He gave up a run and three hits with two walks and a season-high eight strikeouts over six frames in Thursday's 2-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics.